Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu confirmed the decision to redeploy the ambassadors, saying that Ankara will send its ambassador to Tel Aviv.
After a months-long reconciliation process between Israel and Turkey, the two countries have announced the restoration of 'full diplomatic' ties and an exchange of ambassadors for the first time in years.
This was announced by the Israeli Prime Minister's Office in Occupied Jerusalem on Wednesday. The two countries, which had friendly relations in the past, have been at a diplomatic standoff for more than a decade due to several issues, including the blockade of Gaza, but earlier this year, Israel and Turkey initiated mutual contacts. According to the Associated Press news agency, Israel's acting Prime Minister Yair Lapid said in a statement that "restoring relations with Turkey is an important asset for regional stability
A statement issued by Yair Lapid's office said that 'restoring relations will deepen the already existing ties between the people of the two countries, expand economic, trade and cultural ties and strengthen regional stability. I will get help.' On the other hand, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu confirmed the decision to redeploy the ambassadors and said that Ankara will send its ambassador to Tel Aviv. However, he said that Turkey will continue to support the Palestinians despite the process of normalizing relations with Israel
The Turkish Foreign Minister told reporters that the process of negotiations with Israel began after the new government assumed power. The appointment of ambassadors was among the steps taken to normalize relations. Relations between Israel and Turkey were strained under Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has been a vocal critic of Israel's policies toward the Palestinians. In response, Israel objected to Turkey's support for Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that rules the Gaza Strip.
Ankara and Tel Aviv recalled their ambassadors from each other's countries in 2010 after Israeli forces attacked a Turkish naval ship carrying humanitarian aid for the Palestinians. As a result of this incident, nine Turkish workers were killed. Efforts to mend ties were hit once again when Turkey recalled its ambassador in 2018 after the US moved its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to occupied Jerusalem.
Struggling with economic problems, Turkey is trying to end its international isolation by normalizing relations with several Middle Eastern countries, including Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Earlier this year, Yair Lapid visited Ankara a month after his Turkish counterpart visited occupied Jerusalem in June, the first high-level visit by a Turkish official in 15 years. In March, Israel also met President Erdogan in the Turkish capital.
According to the AFP news agency, on the announcement of the restoration of relations between Israel and Turkey and the appointment of ambassadors, Basim Naeem, who is part of the political leadership of Hamas, says that "any kind of efforts to strengthen relations with the group Israel." condemns.' Speaking to AFP, Bassem Naim said, "We hope all Arab, Muslim and friendly countries to move towards isolating the occupier (Israel) and press for our legitimate Palestinian rights." About the same:
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