Israel–Turkey relations

U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby welcomed Dec. 21 a potential agreement between Israel and Turkey to improve the tense relations which have been simmering for more than five years. 

"We've seen reports of a potential agreement between Israel and Turkey to restore diplomatic relations," said Kirby during a daily press briefing on Dec. 21.

Israel was led to pursue better relations with Turkey due to the overwhelming victory of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in the Nov. 1 elections, Prime Minister Ahmet Davuto?lu has said.

In an apparent bid to single out practices of the elected Israeli government which are disreputable for the Turkish government from the broad framework of the bilateral relationship with Israel, a senior executive of Turkey's ruling party has said the "friendly" nature of relations with both "the Israeli state and the Israeli people" were undisputable for Turkey.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an met with Khaled Mashaal, leader of the Palestinian militant group Hamas, on Dec. 19 in Istanbul, Turkish presidential sources said, a day after Israel and Turkey said they were close to patching up a five-year political rift. 

Five years after the Gaza flotilla raid, Israel and Turkey have finally reached an understanding on a reconciliation agreement.

For those who have been following Turkish-Israeli relations closely, it was not a surprise. Even before the elections, there were signals of a possible thaw between the two countries.

Main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Kemal K?l?çdaro?lu has welcomed reports of possible rapprochement between Turkey and Israel, suggesting that it was "already expected."

Sevil Erku?sevil.erkus@hurriyet.com.trA Turkish government official has confirmed to Hürriyet Daily News that Israeli and Turkish officials held talks in Switzerland over the broken ties and may reach a deal soon.

Israel and Turkey have reached a preliminary agreement to normalize relations, including the return of ambassadors to both countries, Reuters quoted an Israeli official as saying on Dec 17.

Turkey has listed its conditions for a gas trade deal with Israel, said a high-level official, while commenting on fresh remarks by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. 

Turkey's Foreign Ministry has summoned the Russian ambassador in Ankara to complain about protests against Turkish missions and businesses in Russia following Turkey's downing of a Russian jet.

A Foreign Ministry statement said on Nov. 26 that Turkish offices had come under "unacceptable" physical attacks disguised as protests.