Israeli optimism - Ben-Eliezer
Photo Dudi Vaaknin
Crisis over? Israeli-Turkish relations are back on track following a recent crisis, prompting Turkey's return to the role of mediator vis-à-vis Syria, Minister Benjamin Ben-Eliezer said Saturday.
"We're on the eve of reestablishing the state of ties between Israel and Turkey to what he used to be, with a reality whereby Turkey goes back to its role as mediator vis-à-vis Turkey," the Industry, Trade and Employment minister said.
In a speech at the Beer Sheba Trade and Industry Bureau, Ben-Eliezer expressed his hope that the next step in the reconciliation process would be a meeting between Prime Ministers Benjamin Netanyahu and Recep Tayyap Erdogan.
"I hope the two prime ministers will be meeting soon," he said.
Ben-Eliezer said that during his visit to Ankara last month, Turkish officials showed a desire to rehabilitate the ties between the two states.
"This relationship also has important strategic facts, not only on the industry and trade front," he said.