US secretary of defense Panetta warns Israel against isolation

Speaking to the press before departing to a Middle Eastern tour covering Israel and Palestine, US Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta said on Sunday that Israel was becoming increasingly isolated in the Middle East due to the Arab Spring. Panetta said he was sure that Israel had maintained its military superiority in the region, adding, "But the question you have to ask is as follows: Is it enough to maintain a military edge, if you are isolating yourself diplomatically? The real security could be achieved only by a strong diplomatic effort, as well as a strong army." Stating that the continuing turmoil in the Middle East makes it crucial that Israel finds ways to communicate with other nations in the region, Panetta said, "It's pretty clear, that at this dramatic time in the Middle East when there have been so many changes, that it is not good for Israel to become increasingly isolated. And that's what's happening," Panetta said. Panetta stated the most important thing now for Israel was to try to develop better relationships so that they could at least communicate with each other, saying that Israeli leaders should restore relations with such countries as Egypt and Turkey to ensure peace in the region. Panetta added that he would also urge Palestinian and Israeli leaders to return to the negotiating table.  In reply to a question on Panetta's remarks at a press conference yesterday, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that he agreed with him. Erdogan said, "First of all, Israel has preferred isolation in the region by losing a friend like Turkey. Not the Israeli people, but the current Israeli government has made this mistake."