Israel apologized to Turkey for the raid that killed nine people in 2010 aboard a Turkish ship¹. The raid took place in international waters against a NATO country. As a result, relations between Israel and Turkey were downgraded. Traditionally, Turkey had very close relations with Israel. As a country, Turkey saved probably more Jewish people than any other country in history. Israel attacks in Gaza, including the killing of militants, had also been a source of tension between both countries. Prime Minister Endogen stated recently that Zionism committed crimes against humanity. He is unlikely to apologize for those remarks. No incident of anti-Semitism had been reported in Turkey. The country was careful not to mix its relations with Israel with any racial or religion reference. Jews are well respected in Turkey and there is no evidence that they suffered in any aspect.

Turkey is needed by the USA, by Israel, by the International community. It could play an important role in ending the civil war in Syria and in facilitating any possible agreement with Iran; it is also a moderating force in the political process affecting several Arab countries. Israel values the potential role of Turkey on the Syria civil war which could cause problems in Israel. Turkey is also appreciated as a source of moderation for Arab revolutions underway. Israel values its civilian and military ties with Turkey, which were severed after the flotilla incidents but may be reestablished. Normal relations between Israel and Turkey also facilitate Israel relations with Europe, which Israel cannot ignore. But Israel is not interested in any resolution of the so-called Iranian issue. In fact, the objective of the Government of Israel is to bomb that country. But, overall Israel needs Turkey. That is the real reason for the apologies. Beyond diplomacy, I don’t believe there is any sense of guilt in Netanyahu for raiding the flotilla. Killing nine people in high sea is not a big deal for the Israeli Army. After all, the intifada, a civil movement with no guns other than stones, was subject to heavy military repression as it is widely known and documented.

Turkey also gains for a normalization of relations with Israel. That will facilitate trade between both countries. Israel has a first grade technology and is a powerhouse in the region. An expanding economy, such as Turkey’s, can only gain from such relations. Its military also benefits from access to material and equipment.

Obama mediated this agreement because he also gains. The USA needs Turkey’s influence to resolve the Syrian crisis. If it decides to intervene militarily in Syria, Turkey will be crucial in logistical terms. Similarly, at some stage Turkey could play some role in reaching an agreement with Iran. In this respect, Obama, Turkey and most of the international community want a peaceful resolution. But not the government of Israel as mentioned before. Similarly, powerful interests in the USA do agree with Israel and therefore are in favor of military actions. They are very strong in the Congress and include the industrial-military complex. That war would provide substantial benefits to the sector and prevent cuts in the military budget. On the other hand, good results in the diplomatic efforts with Iran could neutralize the powerful pro-war forces. Turkey could help in this regard.

To sum up, the normalization of relations between Israel and Turkey could be a positive step. Perhaps this is one of the few good results of Obama’s trip to Israel.