Compromise in relations: Netanyahu and Erdogan spoke • Lieberman: Apology - "Fatal Error"

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed this evening - Saturday on his Facebook page to a reconciliation call held with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan during which he expressed regret for the operational errors which were in the events of the Marmara flotilla in 2010, and the damage and loss of life.

"After three years of separation between Israel - Turkey, I decided it was time to rebuild them," Netanyahu wrote. "Changing reality around us requires us to constantly reevaluate our relationship with countries in the region. In the past three years, the State of Israel has made several attempts to end the rift between us and Turkey, and the fact that the Syria crisis is getting worse by the minute was a major consideration in my opinion.

"Syria is crumbling and vast and advanced arsenals are beginning to fall into the hands of various factors. The greatest danger is falling stockpiles of chemical weapons by terrorist organizations. It is important that Turkey and Israel bordering with Syria, can communicate with each other, and it should also facing other regional challenges."

Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon also referred this evening to the Prime Minister's apology to Turkey and expressed support for Netanyahu, in the face of criticism of the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defence, Avigdor Lieberman: "I appreciate the attempt of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to settle the crisis with Prime Minister of Turkey. "The Prime Minister made a responsible decision, and the arrangement he led with Turkey does not conflict with our principles provided for the last three years. Regional developments and American involvement allowed the settlement of the crisis. This is a shared interest of both Israel and Turkey."

These words are contrary to the position expressed by Lieberman, who said that the apology is a "serious error".

Lieberman sent a message stating: "whoever viewed the pictures taken on the ship the Mavi Marmara understands beyond any doubt, that IDF soldiers acted in self-defense against the IHH activists, known as a terrorist organization in European countries, including Germany and the Netherlands. Apology affects the motivation of soldiers, and their willingness to go out on missions in the future. Apology also affects the uncompromising struggle of the people of Israel and the righteousness and morality and morality of soldiers." Lieberman accused the current leadership of Turkey for deterioration in relations between the two countries.

"We'll see how diplomatic relations are conducted in the near future
U.S. President Barack Obama issued a statement on Friday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke by phone with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, according to the U.S. president this is the beginning of the restoration of relations between the two countries.

This afternoon the White House released a statement, prior to Obama's take off from Ben Gurion Airport to Jordan. This is the first conversation between Netanyahu and Erdogan held in four years.

Statement of Obama stated: "The United States values the close relations with Israel and Turkey, and attaches great importance to rebuild the relationship between them in order to promote peace and security in the region. I hope the exchanges between leaders today will allow them to work in deep collaboratively against a variety of challenges and opportunities."

Netanyahu and Erdogan agreed during the conversation between them to return normalization between the two countries, and cancellation proceedings against IDF soldiers in the Marmara flotilla affair. In exchange Netanyahu agreed to complete the payment of compensation to Turkey.

Netanyahu expressed sorrow for the deterioration in relations and expressed his commitment to the regulation of disputes in order to promote peace and stability in the region. During the conversation, Netanyahu addressed the issue of the Turkish flotilla, said that the tragic results were not deliberate, and expressed regret for the State of Israel and the damage and loss of life.

The Prime Minister's office added that Netanyahu noted that a number of restrictions were removed on the movement of civilians and goods entering the Palestinian Authority. He said that this procedure will continue as long as they maintained silence.
"This is exactly the apology we wanted," said the Turkish prime minister on Saturday, referring to reconciliation with Israel after Netanyahu's apology for Gaza flotilla results.

Erdogan said: "We'll see how diplomatic relations are conducted in the near future. If we see a promising progress, we will contribute our part, and will exchange ambassadors."

At a press conference in Ankara Erdogan confirmed that he will arrive in April to Gaza, and possibly the West Bank.

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!