Ehud Barak apologized to Turkey for assaulting the "Freedom Flotilla"

Defense Minister of Israel, Ehud Barak , has called for asking apologize to Turkey for the military assault on the boat Marina Hebrew ‘Mavi Marmara’ , a member of the so-called "Freedom Flotilla" in international waters of the Mediterranean incident that killed nine Turkish activists . The shift in the politics of Hebrew Executive may be due to the role Turkey would play in shaping a new political reality in Syria in case the country’s president, Bashar Assad, was overthrown, and the ability to support the establishment Ankara a pro-Western government in Damascus.

Barak’s position is at odds with that advocated by the foreign minister, Avigdor Lieberman and Minister of Strategic Affairs, Moshe Yaalon, who are opposed to any mode of apology to Turkey. Barak said Monday in an interview to Israeli television Channel 2 that "Turkey is able to do much [in Syria] and influence to achieve a great deal" . So far, government members have not spoken Hebrew on the situation in the Arab country for fear that Assad use those statements in his favor. But Tel Aviv has not hidden his preference for the overthrow of Assad and the establishment of a pro-Western government in the country.

The Israeli envoy to UN in Geneva, Aharon Leshno Yaar, Israel said that "presence with shock and concern the horrific news coming from Syria." "Israel, along with all who love freedom, welcomes the challenge posed by so many Syrians who are standing up for their rights despite the dangers, despite the repression and mass killings despite" he said.

Turkish support for the opposition
Turkey has shown in recent weeks as a support for the Syrian opposition, which has been reflected in the meeting held by opponents of the Arab country in Istanbul this week. Ankara could also play an important role in the reconstruction of the Libya post Gaddafi . One of the arguments used by those in Israel who advocate reconciliation with Turkey is that the U.S. position in the region is weakening and that the EU is going through a tough economic crisis, so Israel must do everything possible by building coalitions to address the volatile situation in the region.

However, Ayalon said in an interview that the good relations between both countries were of interest to Turkey as much as are the interests of Israel and the United States. "There is no room for apology," he said. Ayalon said that Israel is not afraid of a possible further cooling of ties between both countries if the apology comes, among which are the closure of the Turkish Embassy in Tel Aviv and the suspension of economic ties.