Will Israel Apologize to Turkey?

In the wake of the Flotilla incident, Turkey and Israel have become increasingly further apart.  Led by Turkey’s Islamist leadership, the important ally of Israel has become more disagreeable and cold to the Jewish state.

Just last week, Turkey banned Israeli military aircraft from crossing over Turkish airspace.  Now, they are threatening to ban commercial aircraft as well.  Turkey’s economy has lost $400 million from Israeli tourists that have canceled trips, forcing many tourist agencies out of business.  100,000 Israelis have canceled summer trips so far.

Despite the economic ramifications, Turkey is pressing forward.  Turkey’s leaders have demanded that Israel offer a formal apology and compensate the “victims” of the Flotilla.  As of now, it seems that Israel will not be apologizing.  To me, that is rightfully so, but many believe otherwise.

Maybe Israel should have a Flotilla of its own.  This week, Israel’s government convinced a group of left wing politicians and supporters that they should not follow through with a planned anti-occupation Flotilla to the Turkish controlled section of Cyprus

So, who is right and who is wrong in this case?  That is up for debate.  We do know, however, that Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdo?an is an enemy of Israel.  He is destroying the wonderful relationship that was built up over the last half century.  Turkey and Israel are important strategic allies for each other, and the ending of the relationship is horrible for both countries.

Furthermore, it appears that Turkey is moving closer to Iran and farther from the West.  Its secular government is beginning to look much more religious.  And a Turkey-Iran-Syria-Hezbollah alliance may be the biggest existential threat in Israel’s 62 year history.

(P.S. While I don’t agree with what that image represents, I couldn’t resist putting something up that made me grin as wide as Godzilla crushing the anti-Israel ships)