Karel Valansi'nin kaleminden...

The relationship between Turkey and Israel has gone through several ups and downs since ties between the two nations were formalized in 1949. After a recent period of turbulence, Turkey is eager to normalize ties; Israel, however, is unlikely to rush into a relationship.   Turkey’s growing isolation in its neighborhood and strained ties with the United States are driving a bid by Ankara to normalize relations with countries in the region, including Israel. A combination of economic, energy, intelligence, and political interests may have also persuaded Ankara to rethink its policy on Israel. Specifically, Turkey is feeling pressure as a result of the normalization of relations between Israel and Arab states, and the reconciliation between its ally, Qatar, and members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) as well as Egypt. It is also concerned about the shift in regional alliances in the Eastern Mediterranean—Turkey, for example, was excluded from the  East Mediterranean Gas For...

(Centre for Policy and Research on Turkey’nin yayınladığı  Research Turkey Journal’da yayınlanan Türkiye-İsrail ilişkileri ile ilgili makalem) Abstract One of the most significant developments in the instable and war-torn Middle East of today is the rapprochement between Turkey and Israel. The relations between two countries were deeply damaged following the Mavi Marmara incident in 2010; diplomatic relations were downgraded, military and intelligence cooperation were frozen. It took six years for Turkey and Israel to sign a normalization deal following a diplomatic impasse. During that time, the extent of cooperation and the diplomatic ties between both countries were affected not only by domestic constraints but also by external developments. This is the main characteristics of the bilateral relations which existed since Turkey recognized Israel in 1949 and established diplomatic relations; there is always a third party that can ruin the relations. Another characterist...

Israel appointed Mr. Eitan Na’eh, who served as a secretary at the embassy in Ankara back in 1993, as the new ambassador to Turkey. This is the first time that this post has been filled since 2010, marking the full restoration of ties between the two countries after six years of animosity. On an exclusive interview with Ambassador Na’eh, we discussed the future of Turkish-Israeli relations, the East Mediterranean energy corridor and the Middle East. Normalization between the two countries is continuing with high level visits. What is next in the program?  We are developing our relations. We put the roof after we put the foundation and the walls. We are setting up a schedule, renewing dialogues at different levels on different topics. We have to re-identify our common interests. We have to decide how we want to act upon it. We are at the very early stages. We have normalized our relationship, now we are re-building relations. That will take some time. We are looking into the...