Israeli govt strained by possible apology for Mavi Marmara raid

Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said yesterday he would not quit the coalition government if it decides to apologize to Turkey for the killing of Turkish peace activists on board an aid ship last year. Lieberman, the most powerful ally of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, had opposed meeting Ankara's demand that Israel atone for the killing of nine Turks when Israeli troops stormed the Gaza-bound Mavi Marmara. But after Israeli officials said Netanyahu may apologize, Lieberman denied having any plan to quit in protest. "Whether or not there is agreement in the government about this matter, this government is strong," he said. "No one is looking for excuses and reasons to leave the government." Israeli officials voiced dismay after Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday reiterated demands that, in addition to apologizing, Israel must pay compensation to the victims' families and end the blockade of Gaza which the Mavi Marmara was trying to break.