Updated on
Summary
Israel issued a second written apology to Turkey over its envoys treatment, bowing to Ankaras ultimatum in a bid to defuse the latest spat over a TV show that marred ties between the two allies. Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon apologised to Turkish Ambassador Oguz Celikkol for giving him an angry dressing down in front of cameras to protest a Turkish television series portraying Mossad agents as baby snatchers. Ankara, a key Muslim ally to Israel, was infuriated and demanded an explanation and apology after Ayalon on Tuesday made Celikkol sit on a low couch and removed the Turkish flag from the table at their meeting besides refusing to shake hands with the latter after the meeting concluded. Turkish President Abdullah Gul threatened to recall the ambassador if there was no formal apology. However, ties had already been poisoned by Ankaras severe criticism of Israels deadly offensive on Gaza last year and its persistent blockade of the Palestinian enclave.
