Leading a delegation to Turkey, Minister of Industry & Trade Binyamin Ben-Eliezer stated that Israel is seeking to restore relations with the Islamic democracy.

The minister stressed “the people of Israel” are seeking to restore the former ties, mutually beneficial bilateral relations.

Following the meeting with Ben-Eliezer, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu stated there is no need for a new beginning since the two nations have always maintained an open channel of communications. He added that his country is willing to resume mediation efforts between Israel and Syria.

The breakdown in ties is the direct result of virulent anti-Semitic and anti-Israeli comments made by the most senior state leaders in Ankara, accusing Israel of war crimes and crimes against humanity pertaining to the IDF’s actions during Operation Cast Lead, the counter-terrorism offensive in Hamas-controlled Gaza.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)