By Nigar Þen, JTW

Journal of Turkish Weekly conducted an interview with Mr. Zvi Rafiah, Consultant and Commentator on US Affairs and US-Israel Relations, regarding Turkey-Israel relations. You can read the full text of the interview below.

Q: Turkey-Israel relations have some tensions besides the Palestinian problem stemming from some regional policies of both countries. Turkey’s attitude towards Iranian nuclear program and Israel’s treaty with South Cyprus on petroleum research and its initiating simulated military operation with Greece can be mentioned as some of the examples of these. Are these short-term attrition policies or long term new partnerships?

A: First of all, Israel, not only the government but also the people of Israel believe that a strong friendly relationship between Israel and Turkey is very important. We recognize the role of Turkey as a major power in the Middle East and beyond. From this perspective, we want to maintain close relations with Turkey because we appreciate the role of Turkey not just Turkey as a country but Turkey in the region. I believe that relations can be and should be repaired, they are not good now; but it requires movements from both sides. It can not be just from one side.


Q:What do you think about how relations of trade, military, tourism between Turkey and Israel, the two old allies, have been affected from the tensions?

A: I believe that trade and economic relations are doing all right. The problem we have is on the political level, government to government, as I have answered in the first question. It should be repaired by both sides.


Q: There are two major changes in the region which seem in opposition to Israel: Turkey’s regional integration process in relation to the zero problem policy with the neighbours, and the change of governments which has started in Egypt and Tunisia and which is expected to continue in Yemen,Libya,Bahrain. What kind of policy Israel should implement in the face of the possiblities of its being isolated in the region and invalidity of international agreements it has signed?

A: First of all, when the region is in the total upheaval; Egypt, Tunisia, Bahrain, Turkey is a solid rock of stability. Turkey can play a positive role as far as Israel is concerned. Secondly, we do not know yet what the future of the Middle East will be based on. For instance, although the president in Egypt, Mubarek, is no more president, the army which now takes care of the government said that they will not touch on the peace with Israel. This is the most important part of the relations. I think that true democracy in those countries will lead to better understanding of each other. We, Israel, will have to adjust itself to the new reality. There is no more one president, Mubarek, that decides everything. Maybe we will have to deal with parties or with parliament. That will be a major readjustment. That is very important. But we can not say now because of the upheaval Israel is going to be more isolated than it has been.


Q:Turkey only asks for apology and compensation for the damage that has been done from Israel for the solution of the problem but why Israel avoids meeting the demands of its old ally?

A: First of all I can not speak for the government. I am a citizen; government does not consult me on what decision to make. I can talk to you as an Israeli citizen who cares as I have said in my presentation. My son was born here, I have served in Turkey. You are very welcoming to me and I like staying in Turkey. I am a true believer in Turkey- Israel relations. I think we have made mistakes; Mr. Eran has said the same. But also Turkey has made mistake. I think that we pay compensation. If we apologise and pay indemnity what will be the next step Turkey will take? This is what bothers us. Let assume that we apologised and paid compensation, what Turkey will do next? Will it be friendly to Israel or not? That is the question.


Q:What do you expect that Turkey will do?

A: I do not know. I want just Mr. Erdoðan or Mr. Davutoðlu to tell us that if you pay indemnity and you apologise then we will have very good relations. Bravo. It is worthy. But I do not know what the governments are doing. I am telling you my personal opinion.