Israeli officials stress need to maintain relationship with Turkey

After Turkey excluded Israel from an international aerial military exercise due to criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza during Operation Cast Lead, top Israeli officials warned that Israel must work to maintain its relationship with Turkey.

Maya Bengal and Amri Buhbut in Ma'ariv report on fears that Turkey is becoming closer with Iran and starting a process of Islamization. Israeli officials are trying to prevent a change in Turkey's secular character.

Israel’s decision is to use kid gloves with Turkey in order not to push it into the arms of Iran. The Western countries also intend to clarify the matters with discreet diplomacy.

Officially, Israel says that the good relationship between Israel and Turkey must not be relinquished. “Turkey is important to Israel and serves as a strategic anchor that ensures stability in the Middle East. We have constant diplomatic connections with the Turks and everything that needs clarification will be clarified there quietly, not in a hot-headed manner,” diplomatic officials in Israel said.

While some officials are wary about attempting to fix the relationship, others argue that Israel must make efforts to salvage it.

Ha'aretz reports:

"The relations between Israel and Turkey are strategic and have been maintained for dozens of years," Barak said in a closed meeting, according to a statement his press officer released.

He added: "Despite all the ups and downs, Turkey continues to be a central player in our region; it is unsuitable to be drawn into criticizing it."