Despite the breakdown in diplomatic relations between Turkey and Israel, Turkey extended an invitation for Israeli participation in an international conference. An invitation was sent to MK Shaul Mofaz, who chairs the Knesset Foreign Affairs & Defense Committee.

According to the daily HaMevaser, Mofaz accepted the invitation and prepared an address but at the last moment, Mofaz was informed that the trip is being canceled due to the exorbitant costs surrounding security arrangements for such a visit at this time.

The report states that Mofaz planned to deliver a message of calm, asking Turkey to lower the tone of its diplomatic position and work towards renewing the once-firm diplomatic ties that existed between the countries. The Knesset approved Mofaz’s participation in the event but the security experts feel that the arrangements required for such a visit at this time, with the realities that surround the breakdown in ties between the two countries, would be too costly.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)