’Israel’, Turkey Back to Ties

Local Editor

"Israel" and Turkey have reached an understanding that could lead to the restoration of ties between the two former allies, an "Israeli" official said Thursday.

Relations between the two sides broke down in 2010 after an "Israeli" naval raid on a Gaza-bound flotilla that martyred eight Turkish citizens and one Turkish-American.

The "Israeli" official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to speak to the media about the diplomatic talks, said the sides agreed that "Israel" would compensate the families of the flotilla victims.

A US official familiar with the agreement confirmed the details. He also spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn't allowed to talk to the media about the subject.

The "Israeli" official said the understanding requires final approval, adding that it was achieved between the incoming head of "Israel's" Mossad Yossi Cohen and the Turkish Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Feridun Sinirlioglu.

The official also said talks to lay down a natural gas pipeline from "Israel" to Turkey would begin soon.

Earlier this week, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signaled a possible warming of relations with "Israel"
.
Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team