After Erdogan rant, Israel questions turkish ambassador
 Israel on Tuesday asked Turkey’s Ambassador Kemal Okem to clarify his country’s sudden verbal assault against the Jewish state, less than a year after the nations had reestablished full diplomatic ties. Israel Radio reported that Israel believes the sudden dispute has now passed as a result of the telephone conversation Foreign Ministry Director General Yuval Rotem held with Okem in the morning at the request of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Turkish President Recep Tayyip on Monday called on Muslims to flock to the al-Aksa Mosque stating that the “occupation of Jerusalem” was insulting, in an speech he delivered Monday in Istanbul at The International Forum on Al-Quds Wakf.Jerusalem Post Middle East Jerusalem dismisses criticism by "serial human rights violator." Former official says Turkish president's ideology resembles that of Muslim Brotherhood. Israel on Tuesday asked Turkey’s Ambassador Kemal Okem to clarify his country’s sudden verbal assault against the Jewish state, less than a year after the nations had reestablished full diplomatic ties. Israel Radio reported that Israel believes the sudden dispute has now passed as a result of the telephone conversation Foreign Ministry Director General Yuval Rotem held with Okem in the morning at the request of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Be the first to know - Join our Facebook page. Turkish President: We will protect against the Judaization of Jerusalem
Turkish Ambassador to Israel Kemal Okem. Photo by: Tovah LazaroffTurkish Ambassador to Israel Kemal Okem. Photo by: Tovah Lazaroff “Israel consistently protects total freedom of worship for Jews, Muslims and Christians – and will continue to do so despite the baseless slander launched against it,” Nachson said. Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan warned that the comments could enflame the area and harm the security of Jerusalem residents and tourists. According to the Turkish news agency Daily Sabah. Erdogan said, “As a Muslim community, we need to visit al-Aksa Mosque often – each day that Jerusalem is under occupation is an insult to us.” The Turkish president also took issue in particular with the pending Knesset legislation referred to as the Muezzin bill. The legislation would prevent mosques in Israel from using loudspeakers outside their buildings for prayer late at night and early in the morning. “The bill to ban the adhan [call to prayer] is pending at the Israeli parliament,” Erdogan said. “It is disgraceful for those who lecture us about the freedom of religion to turn a blind eye to this attempt. Turkey will not let these attempts against freedom of belief to prevail.” “Why are they afraid of the call to prayer?” the Turkish leader asked, according to the Daily Sabah. “Are they unsure of their own fate? We do not and will not treat our Jewish citizens like that.” Erdogan also spoke against the possibility that the United States might relocate its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. With regard to the new Hamas charter, Erdogan said that it could bring about a solution to the Palestinian issue and end the inter-Palestinian conflict. He added that his nation supports diplomatic efforts on the Palestinian issue, and that the first and last condition to a solution on the Palestinian issue is “the establishment of an independent state in the 1967 borders.” Erdogan later told visiting Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah, Erdogan that the two governments should work together to “protect Jerusalem against attempts of Judaization,” The two leaders also spoke of the possibility of holding a joint in the West Bank aghast the Israeli “occupation.” |
