By Peter Lyukimson, Israel, exclusively for Vestnik Kavkaza
Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon at an international conference in Herzliya accused the Turkish government of supporting Hamas and terrorism as a whole. In his words, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant was strengthening its positions because of tolerance of Hamas for many years. The minister wants the international community to fight Hamas and similar organizations and countries sponsoring them, of which he mentioned Iran, Turkey and Qatar.
Ya'alon reminded that most Hamas leaders were in Turkey. In his words, the order to kidnap and murder three Israeli teenagers came from Turkey. According to mass media, Ya'alon's speech was approved by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and destined to become the first shot in the diplomatic war Israel plans to start against Turkey all over the world.
Israel has been abstaining from criticizing Recep Tayyip Erdogan, an ex-prime minister and the new president of Turkey, and other leaders for the past 5 years, despite anti-Semitic and anti-Israeli statements. Israel hoped to normalize relations with Turkey, although Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman was opposed to that line.
Israeli diplomats were instructed to position the policy of Turkey, Iran and Qatar as associated with Hamas and international terrorism. Israel may encourage the international community to impose sanctions and expel it from NATO. The new policy of Israel against Turkey will inevitably complicate relations with the West.
