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.
