For those who believed the recent visit by Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer to Turkey resulted in improved relations between Turkey and Israel, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday made it very clear, this is not the case, using a press conference to accuse Israel of stealing Lebanese water and violating Lebanese airspace.

In another anti-Semitic rage, the Turkish leader expressed his true beliefs, despite Israel’s attempts to play down his disdain for the Jewish State. He spoke of Israel using unjustifiable force against PA residents, and Jerusalem continues to build her nuclear arsenal, calling on the United Nations to act appropriately.

The vicious remarks from Turkey were made during a joint press conference between Erdogan and Lebanese Prime Minister Sa’ad Hariri, perhaps a well-timed lesson in reality as US special Mideast envoy George Mitchell is returning to the region with his fantasies involving Israel conducting peace negotiations with a number of hostile neighbors simultaneously.

Hariri did his best to take advantage of the opportunity as well, accusing Israel of violating Lebanese airspace and water rights. Earlier on Monday, Lebanese agencies reported its army directed anti-aircraft fire at four IAF fighter planes that once again violated Lebanese airspace.

As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, moderate Turkey promised it will stand firmly behind Lebanon when it takes its case to the international body. Erdogan also defied the US and the European community, expressing his support for Iran’s continued development of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, calling on the UN to address Israel’s nuclear arsenal.

Seemingly unable to break old habits, the Turkish leader made reference to Operation Cast Lead once again, accusing Israel of violating international law by firing phosphorus bombs as well as condemning renewed IAF strikes over Gaza, citing a strike this week in which three Islamic Jihad terrorists were eliminated before they could launch another rocket into Israel.

The critics of Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, who believe Israel should try to patch ties with Turkey, may now have a different opinion. While Lieberman favors renewed ties with Turkey, he opposes Turkey serving as a mediator in peace talks with Syria. He feels the statements against Israel from Erdogan and others since Cast Lead have removed Turkey’s position as a neutral party. 

The Foreign Ministry on Monday responded, not apologetically, but putting Turkey in its place, stating it is the last with a right to speak about the IDF, the world’s most moral army.

The ministry statement expressed a desire to maintain relations with Turkey, relations formed from mutual respect, demanding the same from Turkish officials in return.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)