Israel still hesitant to rehab diplomatic relations with Turkey
Jerusalem seems unconvinced that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sincerely wants to improve bilateral relations.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said today that his country and Israel may work together on exporting Israeli natural gas to Europe. "We can use Israeli natural gas in our country, and beyond using it, we can also engage in a joint effort on its passage to Europe," Erdogan told reporters, adding, "Now, God willing, these issues will be on our agenda with [Israel’s President Isaac] Herzog during his visit to Turkey."
Yesterday, Feb. 3, Erdogan announced that he will host Herzog for an official visit in Turkey in mid-March. He also said that both Turkey and Israel are eager to restore bilateral relations, which have been strained for over a decade.
Erdogan had already alluded to Herzog visiting Turkey on Jan. 19. Responding to questions on the possible rehabilitation of bilateral relations with Israel, the Turkish president noted that his office was “having talks with President Herzog" and that the Israeli president may visit Turkey soon. Erdogan also claimed Israel was interested in restoring diplomatic ties, saying, “Prime Minister Naftali Bennett also has a positive approach."
Erdogan's comments join many other signals from Ankara to Jerusalem in the past few months.
