Netanyahu: Deal With Turkey Promotes ‘Stability’ in Mideast

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry talks with Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu, left, during their meeting at Villa Taverna, U.S. Embassy, in Rome, Italy, Monday, June 27, 2016. Giuseppe Lami/ANSA pool via AP

 

ROME — Israel and Turkey on Monday announced a reconciliation deal to end a bitter six-year rift between the Mideast powers.

In Rome, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the deal would help bring “stability” to the turbulent Middle East. His Turkish counterpart, Binali Yildirim, made a simultaneous announcement in Ankara.

Relations between the once-close allies imploded six years ago after an Israeli naval raid killed nine Turks, including a dual American citizen, on board an aid ship trying to breach Israel’s blockade of the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip.

After the raid, the countries withdrew their ambassadors, largely cut security ties and have since maintained only low-level diplomatic relations.

Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu is portrayed during his meeting with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry at Villa Taverna, U.S. Embassy, in Rome, Italy, Monday, June 27, 2016. Giuseppe Lami/ANSA pool via AP