Pyotr Lyukimson, Israel. Exclusively for Vestnik Kavkaza
Discussions of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s apologies to Turkey escalated since Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the Turkish ambassador would not return to Tel Aviv and no normalization of ties would happen until the Gaza blockade ends.
The demand to lift the blockade seems to be contradicting to the statement by Erdogan that Netanyahu apologies were accepted and now the relations between two countries resume the normal course. It seems the political authorities of Israel are puzzled: Netanyahu seems to think that Americans have dealt all issues with Ankara, and his talk to Erdogan seemed to confirm it. Now it appears it is not so.
Moreover, Israel calls the demand to lift the blockade of Gaza irrelevant. On the one hand, the international society recognizes the blockade as fair. On the other hand, de facto it doesn’t exist: Egypt borders with the sector and controls its processes. Israel allows thousands of tons of cargo to enter Gaza, the only reason for naval control of the sector is to prevent smuggling of weapons.
With account of the missile attacks at Israel from Gaza on Thursday, Erdogan’s demands seem absurd.
It led to a sharp tension caused by Netanyahu’s step in the Israeli society. The number of those who think that reelected Premier made an unforgettable political mistake boosted. Admiral Eliezer Marom, former Commander of the Israeli Navy responsible for the attack on the Mavi Marmara Flotilla, criticized Netanyahu for the apologies.
Internet communities say that Erdogan’s behavior was predictable and he was not planning to improve relations with Israel.
Moreover, Lebanon and some other Arab states demand Israel to apologize for deaths of their citizens during counter-terrorism operations.
Israeli President Shimon Peres urged Turkish citizens to do their best to restore ties with Israel, CNN Turk reports.
