Shalom (R) and Netanyahu Tuesday at Galilee conference
Photo: Avihu Shapira
Silvan Shalom to Turks: Come to your senses
Jerusalem is starting to lose its patience. 'Recent deterioration of relations is out of place,' complains vice prime minister. 'I hope Turks come to their senses and understand that connection between two countries is in their interest no less than it is in ours'
As Turkey signals its increasing distance from Israel and its deepening ties with Syria, Jerusalem is starting to lose patience. Vice Prime Minister Silvan Shalom said Tuesday said Turkey must come to its senses.
"The recent deterioration in the relations with Turkey is out of place," said Shalom at a Galilee conference in Kfar Blum. "Turkey is an important Muslim country with strategic ties with Israel. I hope the Turks come to their senses and understand that the connection between the two countries is in their interest no less than it is in ours."
Following the cancellation of the joint NATO military exercise planned between the IDF and Turkey, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan added fuel to the fire when he again brought up "Israel's war crimes in Gaza" saying that Israel "bombed children with phosphorous."
Turkey made additional advances towards Syria Tuesday as they signed a cooperation agreement cancelling the need for tourist visas between the two countries.
Opposition Chairwoman MK Tzipi Livni was also drawn into the issue. In an interview with Turkish state television, she said that military cooperation between Turkey and Israel serves both countries. She asked the Turkish public to show understanding for Israel's war on terror.
Roni Sofer contributed to this report
