As the international community counts down the days to the opening of the UN General Assembly and senior Israeli diplomatic officials engage in last-minute efforts to thwart the PA (Palestinian Authority) unilateral declaration of statehood, relations between Israel and Turkey continue to decline.

Israel has recalled its police attaché  to Turkey, bringing an end to ties between the countries police departments, yet another signal of the waning diplomatic ties between the former staunch allies.

Public Security Ministry Spokesman Tal Volovitch said that Internal Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovich has decided to transfer Israel’s Ankara-based homeland security representative to Bucharest.

The minister confirmed the report in a media event with reporters ahead of Rosh Hashanah held today, Monday (Sept. 19). The minister warned that the situation in Israel can explode very easily due to ongoing diplomatic events, but assured reporters that Israel Police is ready for any and all eventualities.

Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman has released a number of messages of calm, seeking to prevent ‘burning bridges’ in the hope of restoring ties with Ankara, but senior officials in Jerusalem are aware that even if such a reality were to occur, it is most unlikely that it will take place any time soon.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)