Turkey demands Israel apology

Jeremy Last - Tuesday 6th July 2010


The already-strained relationship between Israel and Turkey moved yet another step closer to complete breakdown this week when the Turks demanded Israel apologise for the attack on an aid ship headed for the Gaza Strip.

Nine Turkish activists were killed when violence broke out on 31 May when Israeli commandos raided the Mavi Maramara, one of a fleet of vessels attempting to break Israel's naval blockade on Gaza.

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Although Israel insists the commandos were simply defending themselves - backing up this claim with video evidence - the raid sparked widespread international criticism, much of it led by Turkey, which is seen as the key ally for Israel in the Muslim world and a potential broker in any future peace deal between Israel and Syria.

Last week the situation appeared to be returning to normal when Israel's Minister of Industry, Trade and Labour Benjamin Ben-Eliezer held a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu.

However, on Monday it emerged that Davutoglu was far from satisfied with guarantees offered by Ben-Eliezer, and was especially critical of the lack of an international inquiry into the Mavi Maramara incident. He lashed out at the Israelis, threatening to break off diplomatic ties. Davutoglu said: "Ties will never be repaired if Israel does not apologise or accept an international investigation."

He added: "They are aware of our demands. If they do not want to apologise then they should accept an international investigation."

Israel has already launched its own probe, headed by former judge Jacob Turkel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly stressed he has no intention of allowing international investigators to look into the issue.

Davutoglu's comments angered Israel's Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, who warned it would be a mistake for Turkey to walk out on Israel.

He said: "Every nation chooses its own diplomacy and, to my sorrow, Turkey has chosen the wrong direction."

Netanyahu has also re-stated his views on the Marama raid. He said: "Israel cannot apologise for its soldiers being forced to defend themselves against a mob that almost lynched and slaughtered them." He added: "We are sorry for loss of life - that is clear as day."

On Monday Syrian President Bashar Assad spoke of his concerns over the situation between Israel and Turkey. He said: "If the relationship between Turkey and Israel is not renewed it will be very difficult for Turkey to play a role in negotiations."

Israeli politicians were eager to calm the flames, with Minority Affairs Minister Avishay Braverman calling on both sides to refrain from "putting more fuel on the fire". He added: "I would advise people in both countries to reduce the rhetoric. I would like to quietly sit together and rebuild the good relationship."

Despite the tension, there have been reports of regular joint Israeli-Turkish activities continuing under the radar, although they could be brought to an abrupt halt at any point. The New York Times reported that a Turkish "military and government delegation" was in Israel this week training officers in the use of unmanned drones often used against the Palestinians in Gaza.

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