Turkish warship docks in Israel as bilateral ties warm

A Turkish warship has docked in Israel for the first such visit in more than a decade as relations between the US allies improve following fierce feuding over the Palestinian cause.

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The frigate Kemalreis docked in Haifa on Saturday as part of NATO maneuvers in the Mediterranean Sea, a Turkish official said. An Israeli official said Ankara had submitted a preliminary request for the crew to disembark on shore leave.

Sailors salute as they stand on a naval frigate as it is berthed at the Haifa Port, in Haifa, Israel, September 4, 2022. (Reuters)

A Haifa port official said it was the first time a Turkish naval vessel had visited since at least 2010, when bilateral ties were shattered by Israel’s storming of a pro-Palestinian aid convoy that tried to breach its blockade of the Gaza Strip.

Ten Turks were killed by Israeli marines in that incident.

A Turkish naval frigate is seen berthed at the Haifa Port, in Haifa, Israel, September 4, 2022. (Reuters)

For its part, Israel has voiced objections at NATO-member Turkey's hosting of members of Hamas, a Palestinian militant group that is proscribed as a terrorist group in the West.

But the countries have moved to mend their relationship in recent months, with energy emerging as a key area for potential cooperation. They are expected to appoint new ambassadors soon.

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