The contentious Israeli-Turkish relationship continues to witness ups and downs as Israel appears to have begun a campaign to counter Turkey’s increased interest in Jerusalem. As part of Turkey’s support for Jerusalem and Palestinians, more Turkish tourists are coming to Jerusalem, and Israel has made claims of Turkey’s attempts to purchase properties in the holy city. A smear campaign has been initiated in parts of the Israeli media against Turkey and its president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Khalil Assali, publisher of the Jerusalem-focused website Akhbar el-Balad, told Al-Monitor that there is nothing new from Turkey, but Israeli media has been pumped up to smear the Turks. “The attacks on Turkey are aimed at forcing the Turks to improve their relationship with Israel,” he said.

Turkey, a member of NATO, has had strong military, political and economic ties with Israel for decades. Recent Israeli human rights violations against Palestinians have been flagged by Turkey’s pro-Palestinian president. Erdogan ordered the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador after the May 15 shootings of unarmed Palestinians in Gaza protesting the US move of their embassy to Jerusalem.

Relations had soured years ago after Israeli navy troops killed nine Turkish protesters in international waters back in 2010. It took six years before Turkey and Israel restored relations in June 2016, following a deal that included Israeli compensation and an apology for the killings of the Turkish protesters.