Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan told CNN earlier this week that diplomatic ties between his country and Israel may never be normalized.

“For the time being, I can clearly and frankly state that the relations between Israel and Turkey have been broken on the basis of an issue that is being raised by Israel, which began when the flotilla bearing humanitarian aid was trying to get to Gaza.”

He used the international forum to once again attack Israel’s handling of the Mavi Marmara, the terrorist vessel operating under the guise of a humanitarian aid ship heading to Gaza.

“We’ve demanded they apologize, pay compensation, and eliminate the embargo on Gaza once and for all,” he said. “If these demands are not met, relations between Turkey and Israel will never become normal again. We have nothing against the people of Israel, but against the attitude adopted by the administration of Israel.”

Israel has refused to issue an apology, and Erdogan has cut diplomatic relations as a result, rapidly turning from a staunch ally of Jerusalem to an outspoken opponent to the Jewish state.

Addressing realities vis-à-vis Israel and the PA (Palestinian Authority), Erdogan blames Israel for killing “hundreds of thousands of Palestinians”, stating while the Israel Air Force bombs Gaza Israel complains about Arabs who throw rocks.

In a related matter, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu responded to the Turkish leader’s remarks in the United Nations, stating, “The incitement voiced by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan during the UN General Assembly regarding the Holocaust of the Jewish People and the killing of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians is mendacious and scandalous.

“These are outrageous charges against Israel that have nothing to do with the facts.  The Holocaust was the worst crime in history perpetrated against our people. Israel has lost thousands of its citizens to Palestinian terrorism.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)