The Board of Deputies of British Jews strongly welcomes the agreement reached between Israel and Turkey to restore diplomatic ties after a long period of strained relations. The deal holds strategic importance for both countries in a region beset with a range of challenges but also numerous economic and political opportunities.
Chief Executive Gillian Merron said: “The deal reached between Turkey and Israel is very encouraging. Not only is it very much within the strategic interests of both countries, it has implications in the wider region – not least with the discovery of gas in the Eastern Mediterranean. It also enables Turkey to play a role in assisting Palestinians in Gaza. We welcome the warming in ties, symbolised by the invitation of Israel’s Charge d’affaires Amira Oron to the Prime Minister’s iftar (fast breaking) meal for foreign diplomats. We look forward to seeing Ambassadors in place in Tel Aviv and Ankara as soon as possible.”
The Board of Deputies maintains a good working relationship with the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey in London, engaging on a number of issues from Holocaust education to minority rights, and made contact immediately following the announcement of the deal.