Relations between Israel and Turkey have been turbulent in recent years. But you know that Turkey was the first Muslim majority country among the countries to recognize Israel. In view of the changes taking place in the politics of the world, both the countries are once again trying to make better relations. In this episode, Israeli President Isaac Herzog reached Turkey on 9 March.
Relations deteriorated since 2008
Reports suggest that relations between Turkey and Israel deteriorated after the Israeli military operation in the Gaza Strip in 2008–2009. Turkish President Erdogan has openly criticized Israel in several forums. However, on the questions being raised by Turkey and the world, Israel had said that our aim was to stop the rocket attacks of other militant organizations including Hamas.
Relations between the two countries further deteriorated when Israeli commandos killed nine Turkish activists on board a ship carrying humanitarian aid in Gaza in 2010. After this, the then Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu apologized for the mistakes and gave Rs 150 crore to Turkey as compensation.
Why does Israel seem to be moving closer to Turkey?
A Wall Street Journal report suggests that Israel can improve its image in the Muslim world by building a better relationship with Turkey. With this, together with Turkey, Israel can crack down on Iran. Let us tell you that Turkey and Iran have diplomatic and trade relations, but the security interests of the two countries are different. In Iraq, the two countries have been in conflict in guerrilla warfare for years.
What is Erdogan’s compulsion?
In the past few months, Israel has normalized relations with countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco. And Turkey is another country in the same line. The Erdogan government has seen a steady decline in popularity due to the economic crisis. Experts say that if this goes on for a long time, Erdogan’s power is in danger. This is the reason why Turkey is seeking better relations with countries like Israel. Turkey has also tried to improve relations with Egypt and Saudi Arabia in recent months. The Erdogan government is also working to normalize relations with the US and Armenia.