The Flotilla Crisis: A Symptom of the Troublesome Ankara-Tel-Aviv Relationship

On May 31, 2010, Israeli commandos stormed a humanitarian aid ship, the Mavi Marmara. The operation left 9 dead and over 30 activists wounded. The attack ignited worldwide protests and condemnation and sparked serious diplomatic confrontation between Turkey and Israel, once called “strategic allies”. The diplomatic crisis continues with a possibility of cancellation of military agreements and downgrading of diplomatic relations. What are the implications of the flotilla crisis for the two countries and the region? Can the Turkish-Israeli relationship be salvaged despite the flotilla attack? Where do the international community, especially the EU and US stand?

Ufuk Ulutas, Middle East Coordinator, SETA Foundation

Nathalie Tocci, Senior Transatlantic Academy Fellow-German Marshall Fund