Turkey on Wednesday evening announced it is recalling its envoy to Israel after Foreign Ministry officials in Jerusalem announced no additional apologies would be forthcoming.

Turkish President Abdullah Gul on Wednesday released an ultimatum, that if a formal apology is not released by day’s end, Turkey will most likely recall its ambassador to Israel.

Baruch Hashem, Foreign Ministry officials on Wednesday afternoon signaled that no additional words of regret would be released other than the ‘clarification’ released by Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Danon. Earlier in the day, Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman stressed once again the importance of maintaining ties with Turkey, adding he does not seek conflict, but added that he will not tolerate anti-Semitism, referring the most recent wave of verbal assaults from Turkey regarding the IDF, Israel and Operation Cast Lead. Lieberman stated Israel has always acted respectfully towards Turkey, and Jerusalem demands the same in return.

The officials in the Foreign Ministry added regarding today’s ultimatum, if Turkey decides to recall the ambassador, it is Ankara’s prerogative to act as it sees fit.

Since Israel launched Operation Cast Lead in December 2008, the counter-terrorism offensive in Gaza aimed at halting Hamas rocket attacks, Turkey has been among Israel’s most vocal opponents, using every possible forum to accuse Israel of “war crimes” and “crimes against humanity”, calling upon the United Nations Security Council and the international community to impose sanctions. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the president have been spewing anti Israel and anti-Semitic rhetoric around the globe, doing everything within their power to isolate Israel in the international community.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)