Turkey is a superpower: Israeli deputy PM

ISTANBUL

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) and newly appointed minister Shaul Mofaz attend the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem May 13, 2012. REUTERS Photo

Israel needs to come to terms with Turkey's superpower status in the Middle East, Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Shaul Mofaz said during a recent speech at the Washington Institute.
 
Mofaz underlined the importance of mending ties between Sırael and Turkey, defining it as "necessary for the strategic goals of Israel and for the strategic goals of Turkey."
 
Mofaz called on leaders of both nations to put their differences behind and work toward better relations, according to the Washington Institute.  
 
The former allies have become foes as a result of Turkey’s objections to Israel’s treatment of Palestinians.
 
In its lowest point, Israeli commandos killed eight Turks and one Turkish-American in a 2010 raid on the Mavi Marmara ship that was leading a flotilla attempting to break the Israeli embargo of the Gaza Strip.
 
Turkey last year downgraded diplomatic relations and cut all military ties with Israel as a result of the raid.