Faced with isolation and problems, Turkey ready to mend ties with Israel

Istanbul: – Turkish President Recep Erdogan announced that Turkey is willing to establish diplomatic ties with Israel, setting aside all the tensions between them. A few hours ago, Erdogan’s advisors claimed that the Turkey-Israel ties would be back on track, before March, next year. Turkey, who is facing a tremendous economic crisis due to the United States’ sanctions and the European Union seems to be trying to wriggle out of the situation by improving ties with Israel. The biggest jolt, because of this changed Turkish stand, comes to Pakistan.

In 2010, Turkey had sent ten ships full of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. Israel had taken action against the biggest of these ships, Mavi Marmara. Tremendous tension had been created between Israel and Turkey, as nine Turkish citizens had been killed in the Israeli action. Whereas, Turkey had objected to the announcement made by US President Trump that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel. Turkey and Israel had recalled their respective ambassadors. In the period after this, Turkey adopted a very aggressive stance against Israel. Turkish President Recep Erdogan had threatened that all the Islamic countries, including Turkey, will attack Israel if Israel continued to shower atrocities on Palestinians. A few weeks ago, when the United Arab Emirates (UAE) established diplomatic ties with Israel, Turkey severely criticised the UAE and threatened to sever ties with the UAE.

But now, Turkey seems to have softened its stand on Israel. A week ago, Turkey started the process of appointing an Ambassador in Israel. Turkish President Recep Erdogan had announced the name of Ufuk Ulutas as the new Ambassador to Israel, indicating that Turkey was taking the initiative to improve ties with Israel. On Friday, he expressed confidence that the relations with Israel can be normalised through discussions with the Israeli leadership.

Mesut Casin, President Erdogan’s advisor for foreign policies, made an open claim that Israel’s relations will be normal before March. Casin said, ‘If Israel comes one step forward, Turkey will take two steps forward. Turkey will restart its embassy in Israel.’ Israel has not reacted to the Turkish announcement of the Ambassador, and the claim regarding diplomatic cooperation. Azerbaijan has expressed willingness to mediate between Turkey and Israel for restarting the diplomatic ties. A few days ago, Azerbaijan Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov held a telephonic discussion with the Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi. Whereas, the Israeli media believes that Israel is very cautious about this change in the Turkish stand.

Last week, the United States and European Union announced sanctions against Israel. These sanctions will have a direct effect on the Turkish economy. Turkey, dreaming of forming an independent association of Islamic countries has already distanced itself from Saudi Arabia and other Arab allies. Whereas, Turkey is also getting isolated on the international level due to the invasion in Syria, Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict and disputes with Cyprus and Greece.

Erdogan shared friendly ties with the Trump administration in the United States. But it is being said that Turkey can expect some stern actions from the next Biden administration. Therefore, the declining Turkish economy, the fix on the international level and change of guard in the United States have left the Erdogan regime too fidgety. Against this background, it is claimed that Erdogan is trying to get into the good books of the United States by re-establishing diplomatic ties with Israel.

Meanwhile, the changing Turkish stand is a huge blow to Pakistan. Over the last few months, Turkey increased its influence over Pakistan. Saudi and UAE, upset with Pakistani’s closeness to Turkey, had initiated steps to bring Pakistan to its senses. But now, as Turkey itself is trying to establish ties with Israel, Pakistan will undoubtedly feel the blow.