TEL AVIV (Sputnik) — The normalization of relations with Turkey is giving Israel a possibility to launch gas deliveries to European markets, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday.
"Israeli natural gas can be delivered…to Europe through Turkey. This would have been impossible without this agreement. We're talking about huge numbers," Netanyahu said.
Relations between Israel and Turkey deteriorated after the Freedom Flotilla incident in 2010, when a convoy of six ships, including one sailing under a Turkish flag, tried to approach the Gaza Strip with humanitarian aid and activists on board. The flotilla was blocked and stormed by Israeli forces, resulting in eight Turkish citizens being killed.
Turkey responded by expelling the Israeli ambassador from the country, recalling its ambassador from Israel and demanding a formal apology from Israel, as well as compensation for the victims' families.
