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Israel To Apologize Over Turkish Imbroglio

Deputy FM Ayalon, at center of storm, already said sorry

by
Marc Tracy
January 13, 2010

Following Turkey’s threat to recall its ambassador if Israel did not formally apologize for its treatment of him, reports say that Israel is drafting a formal apology today. Prime Minister Netanyahu released a statement clarifying that “he backed the protest”—the whole to-do began over a Turkish television series that deployed anti-Semitic caricatures in portraying Mossad agents—“but had reservations over the way it was done”—that is, by deliberately humiliating the Turkish envoy.

The Deputy Foreign Minister who actually conducted the humiliation, Danny Ayalon, has already sent an personal apology to Ankara. It reads, in part:

Although we have our differences of opinion on several issues, they should be discussed and solved only through open, reciprocal and respectful diplomatic channels between our two governments. I had no intention to humiliate you personally and apologize for the way the demarche was handled and perceived. Please convey this to the Turkish people for whom we have great respect.

Unrelatedly (maybe), Turkey’s foreign minister, speaking in London today, announced his country’s continued desire for “excellent relations” with Iran and defended its nuclear program.

Marc Tracy is a staff writer at The New Republic, and was previously a staff writer at Tablet. He tweets @marcatracy.