Israel-Turkey ties: a presidential visit to Turkey might usher in a “new era”

ANKARA (Parliament Politics Magazine): When Israeli counterpart Isaac Herzog visits Turkey next month, it would be the start of a favourable “new period” in relations with Israel, predicts the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The Turkish president said in a television interview that Herzog would visit Ankara before mid-February, sparking speculation among the analysts that a decision on the appointment of ambassadors to both nations could be soon.

Although the exact travelling dates have yet to be announced, it will be the highest-level visit to Turkey by an Israeli official since then-Israeli President Shimon Peres visited the capital of Turkey on the invitation of then-Prime Minister Erdogan.

With this visit, a new chapter in Israel-Turkey relations could begin, Erdogan stated in a late-night television statement.

Experts say that turning a new page in the two countries’ shaky relationship will rely on a number of issues, including the re-exchange of envoys and curbs on Hamas’ activity in Turkey.

Since July, Erdogan and Herzog have spoken three times over the phone, exchanging cordial messages, and last week, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu contacted his Israeli counterpart Yair Lapid, the first time the two countries’ foreign ministers had spoken in 13 years.

The appointment of ambassadors, according to a senior research associate at Israel’s Institute for National Security Studies, Gallia Lindenstrauss, would be a solid first step toward normalising relations between the two countries

There exists some Israeli worry over Turkey’s choice of ambassador, she said, but this is a problem that can be potentially solved.

Any considerable improvement in the coronavirus situation, she said, could exacerbate tensions over the entry of certain Turkish people into Israel.

Israel may refuse admission to those it believes are contributing to the escalation of confrontations in  East Jerusalem, the West Bank and among Palestinians with Israeli citizenship, while Turkey will likely argue they are innocent tourists.

While a report this week that Turkey was willing to curtail some of Hamas’ coordinated military activities from its territory was great news in Israel, Lindenstrauss noted, a negative development in this sector would be an additional source of tension between Turkey and Israel.

It’s unclear how much Turkey’s open support for the Palestinian cause, including settlements in  East Jerusalem and the West Bank will be accommodated as part of the rapprochement process.