Israel, Turkey vow to heal rift despite sharp differences

By BURHAN OZBILICI and SUZAN FRASER
Associated Press

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkey and Israel have agreed to rebuild their relationship despite their differences. The agreement was reached Wednesday during a visit by Israeli President Isaac Herzog who became the first leader from Israel to arrive in Turkey in 14 years. Israel and Turkey were once close allies. But the relationship frayed under Erdogan, who is an outspoken critic of Israel’s policies toward the Palestinians. The steps toward a rapprochement comes as economically troubled Turkey tries to end its international isolation by normalizing ties with several Mideast countries. Turkey has said there would be no change to Ankara’s position toward the Palestinians.