After years of tension, Israel and Turkey want to fully resume diplomatic relations. Both countries have decided to reinstate ambassadors and consuls-general, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Jair Lapid said on Wednesday.
This is the result of Lapid’s visit to Ankara in June and talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkey confirmed the decision.
“The resumption of relations with Turkey is an important win for regional stability and important economic news for Israeli citizens,” Lapid said. Israel’s position will continue to be strengthened worldwide.
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said in the capital Ankara: “The reappointment of ambassadors is important for improving bilateral relations. At the same time, we will continue to stand up for the rights of Palestine, Jerusalem and Gaza.”
The Israeli side said the restoration of full diplomatic relations was the continuation of a rapprochement process over the past year. This began with a visit by President Izchak Herzog to Ankara and then continued with mutual visits by foreign ministers to Jerusalem and Ankara.
In May, Herzog was the first Israeli president to travel to Turkey in ten years.
The once close allies Turkey and Israel fell out in 2010 after ten Turkish citizens were killed when the Israeli navy stormed a Gaza solidarity ship. In 2016 there was a first rapprochement.
