Local Turkish media is reporting that in line with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s new policy, if Israel Navy vessels are detected out in the Mediterranean while the Turkish Navy is escorting a humanitarian aid ship to Gaza, the naval vessel will neutralize the Israeli ship. 

The report continues to explain this refers to an Israeli vessel detected past the 12 mile territorial water border and if that ship comes within 100 meters of the humanitarian aid vessel.

The Arab media adds that Erdogan’s new anti-Israel policies have earned him a new popularity in the Arab world as the region is undergone radical change due to uprisings and turmoil in a number of countries. After years of stalled diplomatic efforts, Turkey is making close friends with Egypt’s new administration.

While Jerusalem continues releasing messages of calm, seeking to salvage the little which remains of bilateral relations with Ankara, Erdogan and other government officials continue to add fuel to the fire, releasing anti-Israeli rhetoric as it enjoys its new found regional status.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)