Ted Belman. It is unclear from this report if Netanyahu expressed regret or apologized. It is Erdogan who should have apologized for allowing the ship, Mavi Marmara, to participate in the first instance. He had to know that the passengers were girding for battle.
Israel also “agreed to complete the agreement on compensation.”
This humiliation comes on the heels of Erdogan’s recent remark that “Zionism was a crime against humanity”.
In the call, Netanyahu apologized to the Turkish people “for any errors that could have led to loss of life” in the May 2010 Mavi Marmara incident, “and agreed to complete the agreement on compensation,” his office later said in a statement. Erdogan reportedly said he accepted the Israeli apology.
In the first conversation between the leaders since 2009, Netanyahu made it clear that the tragic consequences of the Mavi Marmara flotilla interception — in which nine Turkish citizens were killed by Israeli naval commandos who had come under attack as they sought to commandeer the Gaza-bound vessel — were unintentional.
The leaders agreed to return their respective ambassadors and pledged to overcome differences.
Erdogan also “withdrew” recent comments calling Zionism a crime against humanity, though he did not apologize for them, an informed source said.
US President Barack Obama, right, talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a state dinner in his honor on Thursday, at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem. (photo credit: Avi Ohayon/Flash90)
“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke today with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The two men agreed to restore normalization between Israel and Turkey, including the dispatch of ambassadors and the cancellation of legal steps against IDF soldiers,” Netanyahu’s office said in the statement.
Netanyahu told Erdogan that he had “good talks” with Obama “on the issue of regional cooperation and the importance of Israeli-Turkish relations. The prime minister expressed regret over the deterioration in bilateral relations [with Turkey] and noted his commitment to working out the disagreements in order to advance peace and regional stability,” the statement added.
“The prime minister made it clear that the tragic results regarding the Mavi Marmara were unintentional and that Israel expresses regret over injuries and loss of life. In light of the Israeli investigation into the incident, which pointed out several operational errors, Prime Minister Netanyahu apologized to the Turkish people for any errors that could have led to loss of life and agreed to complete the agreement on compensation,” the statement continued.
Netanyahu “also noted that Israel has already lifted several restrictions on the movement of civilians and goods to all of the Palestinian territories, including Gaza, and added that this will continue as long as the quiet is maintained. The two leaders agreed to continue to work on improving the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territories,” the statement concluded.
Footage taken from Mavi Marmara security cameras, showing the activists onboard as they prepare to attack incoming IDF soldiers on May 31, 2010 (photo credit: IDF Spokesperson/Flash90)
Turkey and Israel were once close allies, but relations unraveled in recent years, exacerbated in 2010 by the Israeli interception of the Mavi Marmara as it sought to break Israel’s blockade of the Gaza Strip. Turkey had conditioned warmer ties on an Israeli apology and compensation.
The reconciliation took place shortly before Obama completed his three-day visit to Israel, in a call from Ben-Gurion Airport. Initially Obama spoke to Erdogan, reports said, and then he handed the phone to Netanyahu. The US had indicated for some time that it saw an imperative for Israel and Turkey to heal the rift between them, especially given the regional challenges posed by Iran’s nuclear drive and the raging civil war in Syria.
Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R) with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in January 2012 (photo: Mohammed Al-Ostaz / Flash 90)
Erdogan has become an increasingly bitter critic of Israel in recent years, repeatedly denouncing its policies on the Palestinians, and supporting Hamas. At a World Economic Forum meeting in Switzerland in 2009, Erdogan fiercely attacked President Shimon Peres for an Israeli incursion into Gaza which was taking place at the time: “When it comes to killing, you know well how to kill,” Erdogan yelled at him, and stormed off the stage.
In a sign Wednesday that a reconciliation might be near, Erdogan said that his February statement that Zionism is a “crime against humanity” on par with anti-Semitism and fascism was misunderstood.
Erdogan, speaking to a Danish newspaper, said that he knew his statements caused “some debate” but that “no one should misunderstand what I said.” He said “everyone should know” that his comments were directed at “Israeli policies,” especially as regards to “Gaza and the settlements.”
“It’s entirely natural for us to continue to criticize Israel as long as it will not give up its approach of denying the right to exist of the Palestinian state,” Erdogan added. ”In several statements I openly condemned anti-Semitism, and it clearly displays my position on this issue.”
In late February, speaking in Vienna at a United Nations event devoted to dialogue between the West and Islam, Erdogan had decried rising racism in Europe and the fact that many Muslims “who live in countries other than their own” often face harsh discrimination. “We should be striving to better understand the culture and beliefs of others, but instead we see that people act based on prejudice and exclude others and despise them,” Erdogan said, according to a simultaneous translation provided by the UN. “And that is why it is necessary that we must consider — just like Zionism or anti-Semitism or fascism — Islamophobia as a crime against humanity.”
In his statement Friday, Netanyahu said he had seen Erdogan’s “recent interview in a Danish newspaper and expressed his appreciation for the latter’s remarks.”
Erdogan, in Friday’s call, reportedly sought to have Israel lift its blockade of Gaza, which Netanyahu refused. Israel fears Hamas would exploit the lifting of security measures to import weaponry for use against Israel. The two leaders did agree to cooperate on improving the humanitarian situation in Gaza, reports said.
Obama said he welcomed the reconciliation and that it was important the two nations restore good relations so they can cooperate on regional security.
An informed source in Jerusalem, refusing to be named, said later that it had been a “difficult decision” for Netanyahu to apologize. The agreement to resume ties “feels like the birth of a baby,” he said. “Now it’s up to the parents to steer” the way forward.
Former defense minister Ehud Barak reported offered recently to issue an apology, but Netanyahu did not take up his offer. Barak’s successor, new Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon, is said to have backed Friday’s move.
The source also elaborated that Turkey promised to end prosecutions of Israeli political leaders and army officers, and to prevent future lawsuits. In what Israel called “political theater” and a “show trial,” Turkey in November put four senior former Israeli military commanders on trial in absentia for IDF action on the Mavi Marmara.
“I hope this reduces anti-Israel rhetoric” from Erdogan, the source added.
“The newly normalized relations will be more beneficial to the Mideast than the current relationship,” the source noted. He said he saw the move as having “a positive impact on regional stability, mostly, but not only in the Syrian context.”
@ Bernard Ross:
Andrew McCarthy is usually researching causality. You refer to strategies and tactics necessary to solve the outcome. He wrote the “Spring Fever” recently, it is a very good book, it gives you in short the background of what happened in Turkey since Kemal Ataturk and ultimately how that relatively recent history is linked to the so-called Arab Spring.
@ monostor:
I read the article but it was absent of all the military and strategic factors re Nato,syria.etc/. it was just a rehash of the past events for the street but left out all of the factors which are being discussed as reasons for the apology: especially the interwoven security issues with Nato and US vs Syria and Iran.
http://pjmedia.com/andrewmccarthy/2013/03/23/obama-pressures-netanyahu-into-humiliating-apology-to-terror-supporting-turkey-over-flotilla-confrontation/
For those who want more opinions on the matter.
Many comments made comparison with the power play that was in place before WWII. That comparison doesn’t stand the water. We are not suppose to argue strategies and more than that tactics when we are facing today a conflict totally different in nature. Apologizing to Turkey, a muslim entity that designates itself unofficially as the leader of the Sunni division of the ummah in its fight against the Shia division, it is equivalent IMHO to Jews forced during WWII to dig their own graves before execution. US, Israel and the rest of the western world don’t even realize that they are marching at the drumbeat of Dar al Islam that is in a permanent state of war with Dar el Harb. Do we realize that we don’t even recognize who the enemy is? I remember one of Netanyahu’s visits here during which interview after interview he had only praise for the Arab Spring…
@ Sam Goldblatt:
Sam is being pragmatic which of course a politician has to be on occasion
Whilst we may not like the past comments that Erdogan has made about us it must be remembered that Turkey is also an USA ally and part of the MED sea support system to which we also belong
Also despite a drop in Israeli tourism – a reaction by mamy Israelis to avoid Turkey – many other thousands still go and we must be in a position where protection can be afforded by the Turks
A drop in anti Israel rhetoric will result and I suspect that Erdogan will also revise his verbal approach to us
Bear in mind that he is also making peace with the Kurds which means he needs us as much as we need him & Turkey as non enemies
Yes Sam is on the ball
And the folding just began. I expect betrayals in Y & S, Jerusalem and everything else including but not limited to Iran. They did not held the debacle secret until after Shabbat was in for nothing.
A terrible act of betrayal.
The Answer to the above-discussed imbroglio is simply that there is no good answer. Unfortunately, many factors were at play. And while we consider so many old adages, consider this one: pride cometh before a fall. Yes, factually Israel was and is in the right. That said, dear DM Barak screwed up in his planning, meaning that the intended result could have been accomplished without the loss of life. But, as someone above stated, it’s all water under the dam now. Let’s move on.
Realpolitik has nothing to do with ideology or love. It has to do with expediency.
And it can be revoked if and when the circumstances change.
I would not be surprised if there was arm twisting behind the apology. Someone not to be named may have suggested to Bibi to show some “humility” otherwise who knows what could happen!
Sam Goldblatt Said:
Not when he told the youngsters to arm twist the adults in power!!!
NormanF Said:
Don’t forget the legendary Hitler-Stalin pact!!!
NormanF Said:
also stalin-HItler followed by Stalin-churchill
I think this was strongly pushed by US because it was impeding Israels relationship to the NATO shield component controlled by Turkey and other tactical issues. Although Turkey was 100% in the wrong I expect that the choice was made for tactical military reasons plus nothing was to be gained by its continuance. There was a loss to Israel’s image but primarily from those who already have a low image. i hope this does not impact the growing Cyprus and Greek relationship, which might be more valuable than the “relationship” gained with Turkey. On the other hand it might actually reduce the growing friction over the Cyprus and Israeli gas fields. We’ll have to see. Overall it is mainly symbolic and probably makes sense in the big longer term picture of post erdogan turkey. Also, it gives the childish clown erdogan an “excuse” to cease his poutish behavior with Israel, he needs to play to the street like a macho fool.
Ted Belman Said:
Ted, I agree its only humiliation! Either you’re right or you’re wrong. The Turkish Islamists are not going to change their stripes because Israel prostrated itself in front of them. Realpolitik only goes so far and there is nothing Jews gain by looking like a stereotypical dhimmi in front of Muslims. Netanyahu wasn’t man enough to tell Obama “no” and FU. This disgraceful incident could have been handled better but its all water under the bridge now.
@ NormanF:It is easy to argue that it was more in Israel’s interest that she not apologize. We were in the right, Turkey was in the wrong. There is nothing to apologize for. Turkey will not love us or give up their Islamists’ way because of the apology. If Turkey and Israel have shared interests in Syria they will cooperate on Syria, with or without an apology. I see no benefit, only humiliation.
Bernard Ross Said:
Its about realpolitik. Why would a Jew make a deal with an enemy? There is precedent in it when the Most Christian King Of France King Francis I made an alliance with the Ottoman Muslim Sultan Suleiman The Magnificent to check the power of the Holy Roman Empire led by Charles V:
The Franco-Ottoman alliance, also Franco-Turkish alliance, was an alliance established in 1536 between the King of France Francis I and the Turkish Sultan of the Ottoman Empire Suleiman the Magnificent. The alliance has been called “the first non-ideological diplomatic alliance of its kind between a Christian and non-Christian empire”. It did however cause quite a scandal in the Christian world and was designated as “the impious alliance”, or “the sacrilegious union of the Lily and the Crescent”; nevertheless, it endured since it served the objective interests of both parties.
This isn’t about love! This is about serving Israel’s interests first and foremost. As they say in the Middle East, “the enemy of my enemy is my friend.”
turkey may also be cutting a deal with the Kurds. My wager is that the kurds outside of Turkey(syria, Iraq, Iran) get turkish support in return for trouble free turkey. After Syria and hezbullah de-fanging I expect a destabilization of Iran using Iranian and external kurds, internal and external sunnis plus the existing Iranian opposition. A “persian spring”
BB’s apology may have the future in mind also re the Nato early warning system in turkey
BB said earlier he was willing to make an apology for operational errors, which he did here. The US wanted it because Turkey was making problems within nato for cooperation with Israel. turkey has now aligned with the whole anti shia/iran axis and the US wants Israel turkey and jordan to cooperate on syria and maybe further into Iran. It was probably based on strategic reasons which are now unfolding. Further, it was advised by the past and present DM. Obama gets credit for something on his trip, it was probably all arranged prior to the trip for drama.
erdogan is a childish pouting clown and needed his immense ego stroking.
If this keeps up, you might have to change your slogan, Ted, to THERE IS A DIPLOMATIC SOLUTION. Looks like Barack Hussein Obama is finally earning that Nobel Peace Prize!
Laura Said:
I don’t agree with it but Israel did not pay a very high price for a private expression of regret. Erdogan took Netanyahu’s call. If he didn’t want a deal, it wouldn’t have happened and the Americans wanted Ankara to stop feuding with Jerusalem so he now took what Turkey said before wasn’t enough to reconcile with Israel.
Dean Said:
All of that is true. The interesting question is why Erdogan took an apology from Israel he long deemed insufficient? Things have not been going well for the Islamist regime and its quarreling with Iran and the Syrian civil war has eliminated its only reliable friend in Assad. And the Arab World it seems, is not interested in Turkey’s bid to be at the head of a neo-Ottoman Empire.
Netanyahu wanted to patch things up with Turkey.
He decided it was time to buy quiet with a country facing Iran in spite of the Turkish Islamist regime’s hostile attitude towards Israel.
The Israeli PM has bigger fish to fry.
Had to be done. Israel needs Turkey more than Turkey needs Israel. Bibi also recognized that Obama conducted himself like a man in Israel. The fact is his popularity soared during this much needed visit, and it’s a good illustration of why the American people rewarded him with a second term. As Jonathan Tobin said in today’s Commentary – Obama proved that he’s no Jimmy Carter on this trip, that he’s much more akin to Bill Clinton in his sincere regard for Jewish history, and Israeli security needs. 9 Turks including one Turkish-American were shot and killed in that Israeli raid. Steering the vessel away from Gaza could have easily been accomplished without a single loss of life. Restoration of Israeli-Turkish relations is GOOD FOR ISRAEL. A country at permanent war with all its neighbors is a country with a short shelf life.
Let’s cut through the crap, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, you are a f$%king Jew hater like all Islamists. You have only one apology to make and that is to the Turkish people for screwing up your country from a workable secularism to an unworkable Islamism. In a few years your country will probably be at war with itself like present day Syria – ripping itself apart. I hope that you end up in a Turkish jail or a “guest” of Saudi Arabia, having to escape the anger of your own people. That is the best case scenario because the worst case scenario is that you succeed in the same way the mullahs of Iran succeeded, the Muslim Brotherhood succeeded and the Libyan terror thugs succeeded. Your success will be your people’s failure as in all the examples where Islam rules.
This is pathetic.
What really happened on board the Marmara – testimonies and the Turkel Report
http://fresnozionism.org/2011/01/what-they-faced-on-the-mavi-marmara/
I already posted this link on another thread, but it’s important to have this background info here.