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Şalom weekly’s Editor-in-Chief, İvo Molinas has remarked by the agreement signed between Turkey and Israel, Israeli tourists will be coming to Turkey soon, trade relations were already unharmed but militaristic and political relations will get better in time.
Molinas expressed that this agreement will create a “win-win” policy by fixing the tourism issue in Turkey and by enabling Israel to sell its gas.
“Turkey is the best partner for natural gas”
“Many Israeli tourists were coming to Antalya but they had stopped coming to Turkey after the negative climate caused by the Mavi Marmara incident. Now even not this summer, starting from this autumn, Israeli tourists will go to Turkey. On the other hand, Israel has a huge natural gas reserve in the Mediterranean. It will seek to take it to Europe and the best partner for this will be Turkey. This is a definitive ‘win-win’ policy”.
Bloc against Iran
Molinas saying the Middle East needs stability, emphasized that Turkey-Israel cooperation is necessary for the stability in the region.
“If sides remain true to this agreement, I believe these two countries with democratic base will contribute to stability in the Middle East. Israel with the support of America has never been this close to the Sunni world. If Israel makes its peace with Turkey, it may constitute a bloc against Iran. Turkey too will take place in that bloc”.
“Gaza blockade isn’t lifted”
Molinas said blockade on Gaza isn’t lifted but with Turkey’s increasing influence on Hamas, this might be possible in future.
“We know that the blockade isn’t lifted, some media organs deliver faulty news. The President said, the ships will go to Ashdod port, not to Gaza.
“Nevertheless, this deal may create a synergy. Turkey’s influence on Hamas and Gaza might grow. So, in short term the blockade won’t be lifted but in future, it may”.
“Important step for Jewish community in Turkey”
Molinas drawing attention that peace between the two countries is very important for the Jewish community that is exposed to anti-Semitism constantly on media, spoke as follows:
“On the one hand there is a state telling Turkish Jews are Turkish citizens. On the other, there are anti-Semitic statements and expressions demonizing the Jews on press and social media which support the state. We hope anti-Semitist circles’ guard will drop by this agreement”. (NV/TK)
