More steps towards restoring Turkish-Israeli ties

A visiting delegation of Turkish journalists has met with Israeli officials and is touring the country. Foreign Ministry Director General Dore Gold told the group Tuesday that the two countries may be expected to restore their historically close relations before long. DEBKAfile reported Monday that a secret Turkish emissary spent two days in Jerusalem discussing Ankara’s interest in a stake in Israel’s Leviathan offshore gas field when it starts production in about three years. 

Feridun Sinirlioglu, former Turkish ambassador to Israel from 2002 to 2007, has just been named foreign minister in the transitional government that will serve until a new administration is formed after the November election.