Seeking to mend ties, Israeli PM sends letter to Erdogan

Extending an olive branch to Ankara, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday sent a letter to his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, following a Turkish relief group's cancellation of plans for a second Gaza aid flotilla. In another sign of Tel Aviv's desire to normalize ties with Ankara, Netanyahu wrote, "My government will be happy to work with the new Turkish government on finding a resolution to all outstanding issues between our countries in the hope of re-establishing our cooperation and renewing the spirit of friendship which has characterized the relations between our peoples for many generations." Netanyahu's letter was reportedly more than a short message and indicated Israel's willingness to mend ties with Turkey.