Israel, Turkey End 6-Year Split, Impelled by Energy Benefits
- Talks to sell Israeli gas to Turkey to begin immediately
- Israel says deal has ‘immense’ implications for its economy
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Turkey and Israel ended years of estrangement, motivated as much by the prospect of energy ties as a desire to repair diplomatic relations that broke down after a deadly clash at sea between Israeli commandos and pro-Palestinian Turkish activists.
The deal, confirmed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday during his visit to Rome, paves the way for multi-billion dollar natural gas contracts as Israel seeks to export fuel from its largest field and Turkey looks to reduce its reliance on Russian natural gas. Restoration of ties also gives both countries wider regional support as they face international criticism over controversial domestic policies.