Turkish official: Relations with Israel are ‘strong’

Although Bulent Aric said he will not censor a TV drama that depicts Israeli soldiers deliberately killing Palestinian children during the war in Gaza, the Turkish deputy prime minister said his country’s relationship with Israel remains strong.

Relations “have always been strong and we have total belief that these relations will always be strong,” Arinc told reporters Oct. 16. Arinc’s portfolio includes Turkey’s state-run TV station, which added to already strained tensions — Turkey refused to let Israel participate in a joint NATO drill within its borders last week — by airing a controversial show.

Meanwhile, Israel has begun talks with Turkey on the possibility of purchasing water from it, as part of the Water Authority’s attempts to ensure sufficient reserves in Israel in the face of dwindling local levels. — jta & jpost.com