According to Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, Israel and Turkey are as close as relations have been since the 2010 Marvi Marmara affair, and they two nations may be signing an agreement to normalize relations again. The senior Turkish diplomat made his comments during a TV interview in his country, quoted by the daily Maariv.

Maariv adds “a senior administration official” in Yerushalayim confirms the accuracy of the statements that the two countries are seeking to resume their once close relationship. The report adds that while Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is interested in resuming ties, it is unlikely that the nature of the relationship will be that which preceded the breakdown in relations over the Marmara affair.

Davutoglu stated that recent talks surrounding Israel’s making compensatory payments to Turkish families and the opening of new channels have led to bridging the gap that existed which prevented renewed relations. The Turkish foreign minister did not mention a sum to be paid by Israel but reports from Jerusalem indicated the amount to be paid to the nine families of Turkish nationals killed in the event at $20 million.

As part of a final deal pertaining to the Mamara, Israel is demanding that Turkey drop any and all civil and criminal actions against the commandos involved in the operation.

The report concludes that Davutoglu added another condition prior to signing an agreement is Israel relaxing the marine embargo on Gaza. No details are given to what extent this must be done to satisfy Turkey.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)