Azerbaijan, Baku, Dec. 15 / Trend A.Akhundov /
There is a good chance for Turkey and Israel to return to the previous level of bilateral relations, but it may take some time, Former Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister and former MP Yehuda Ben Meir told Trend.
However, Ben Meir said, it is early to speak about the restoration of the former relations.
Tensions between the two countries have risen sharply after the May 31 Israeli raid of a Gaza-bound flotilla that killed eight Turks and an American of Turkish origin.
In early December, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu phoned Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan to thank him for sending two fire fighting planes to put out the forest fire in Israel. Then Turkish Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Feridun Sinirlioglu met with the top Israeli official in Geneva.
"Israel is very interested in resuming good relations with Turkey," Ben Meir told Trend. "The country regards its relations with Turkey as a very important aspect of its foreign policy, and I think many people in Turkey want good relations with Israel also."
Ben Meir said the situation become more complex due to Erdogan's sharp reaction.
"Erdogan took a very sharp approach after the Gaza events and unfortunate incident with the humanitarian vessel. However, Israel has not reacted to many aggressive statements of Turkish PM. Netanyahu tasked all his ministers not to respond and avoid aggravation of the situation," Ben Meir said.
Turkey still demands for a formal apology from Israel and compensation for the victims' families for restoration of the normal relations.
