Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is not backing down, remaining firm in his anti-Israeli criticism. So he stated in an interview with Euro News Television. Not adopting an apologetic position he stated it is most difficult to maintain relations with Israel in an atmosphere of “no-confidence”, adding that he rejects Israel’s analysis, warning Israel regarding Jerusalem’s statements concerning Turkey, stating a continuation of such a policy would result in waning support for Israel.

In essence, Erdogan was making reference to a Foreign Ministry report that was published in Haaretz, stating the Turkish leader does not hesitate to use anti-Semitic references in his statements, which serve to encourage increased anti-Semitism. “I speak the truth and I will continue to speak the truth. Turkey has a long history and if you speak about Turkey like this, you must be careful”.

He boldly added that Israel must give thought to the consequences of such statements and what may occur if an ally like Turkey is lost. He used the recent incident in which Turkey’s ambassador to Israel was embarrassed in the meeting with Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon, stating such action has no place in the international diplomatic community.

Erdogan went on to state “We did all we could to advance Israeli Syrian relations and now, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu says ‘I don’t trust Erdogan. I trust [French President Nicolas] Sarkozy’…this is simply the sign of a lack of diplomatic experience because if you make such a statement, how can I trust in you when you do not trust in me”.

He acknowledged that there is an agreement between the countries, but questioned how such an agreement can be maintained in an atmosphere of suspicion.

“Israel views herself as world power but she should think otherwise and focus on relations with her neighbors”.

Erdogan granted the interview to Euro News marking the launch of its new Turkish language TV.

Interestingly, Turkey has been viewed as a secular state but it is becoming increasingly clear, as in other Arab nations facing the same threat, including Egypt and Jordan, that the spread of Islamic fundamentalism is indeed seeking to topple the governments in those countries. This is seen in recent events, signaling the growing influence of the fanatic Islam, as seen by statements by Turkish officials since Operation Cast Lead and the growing threat of the Islamic Brotherhood in Egypt and elsewhere.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)