by Ariel Bolstein
It is important to ensure the renormalized relations with Turkey do not come at the expense of other ties cultivated in recent years.
The impending
normalization of Israel's relations with Turkey is another triumph for
Israeli diplomacy. This move carries far-reaching, long-term
ramifications, and the reconciliation itself is very valuable, as Turkey
is a key Muslim nation held in high regard by Muslims worldwide.
Turkey will now have to
relinquish its overt animosity toward Israel and temper its support of
Hamas and other radical elements in the Arab sphere. Given its scope of
influence, there is a good chance this position could permeate beyond
its borders.
The overall impression that even the great Turkey cannot emerge from a conflict with Israel victorious is very important.
While initially Turkish
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's term in office seemed to favor
Islamist elements -- the economy was booming, tensions on the Kurdish
front ebbed, and he seemed well on his way to re-establish his country's
prominent status -- the tides turned. Turkey clashed with every nation
around it and suffered multiple diplomatic blows, making reconciliation
with Israel a necessity. There is no doubt that Erdogan hoped Israel
would beg to normalize relations, but to his chagrin, Israel stood its
ground, and he was the one left cajoling it to strike a deal.
Turkey was the first
Muslim nation to recognize Israel following its inception in 1948, and
over the decades it became a very close ally. We are unlikely to see
such warm ties again, at least not as long as Erdogan's AKP party is in
power, but the impending reconciliation is enough to give Israel
impressive leverage.
This extends to more
than the potential economic boon of having Turkey as a market for
Israel's natural gas. A nation dependent on Israel for its gas supplies
is unlikely to pursue further provocations such as the 2010 Gaza Strip
flotilla. On the contrary: Protecting the Israeli offshore gas rigs will
become a Turkish interest as well.
It is important to
ensure the renormalized relations with Turkey do not come at the expense
of other ties cultivated in recent years. Erdogan's enemies in Moscow
and Athens should not fret over the deal, as Jerusalem values its ties
with them as much as it does its ties with Ankara.
Israel can also further
pursue developing its friendship with the people of Kurdistan. Erdogan
is not a fully invested partner, and Israel can conduct itself opposite
Turkey without unnecessary sentiment, on the basis of Israeli interests
only.
It is equally important
for the Turkish leadership to understand that the time when it could do
as it pleased in the Middle East is over. The reconciliation with
Turkey does not, in any way, tie Israel's hands in fighting terrorism or
Hamas. On the contrary: It has placed the burden of proof on Erdogan's
shoulders, as any attempt he makes to support terrorist organizations or
other agitating elements will not be tolerated.
Normalizing relations
with Turkey is a welcome move, but there are no guarantees. If Erdogan
appears to abuse Israel's hopes for friendship and cooperation, Israel
will know how to guard its interests, even at his expense.
Ariel Bolstein is the founder of the Israel advocacy organization Faces of Israel.
Source: http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_opinion.php?id=16515
Follow Middle East and Terrorism on Twitter
Copyright - Original materials copyright (c) by the authors.
No comments:
Post a Comment