Turkey bars Israel from military drill

Turkey has called off an international military
drill because it opposed Israel’s participation, Israeli defense
officials said Sunday, a move that sent strained relations between the
two nations to a new low.

Turkey
has long been the Jewish state’s best friend in the Muslim world. But
ties have deteriorated dramatically since Israel’s war last winter
against Islamic militants in the Gaza Strip, which killed hundreds of
civilians. sraeli
officials said that in response to Turkey’s decision against Israel,
the U.S. pulled out of the exercise, forcing Ankara to cancel the
drill. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not
authorized to discuss the matter with the media.

The
defense officials expressed disappointment with the decision. Beyond
the diplomatic damage, they said the drill is an important training
opportunity for Israeli pilots, who generally are confined to Israel’s
limited airspace.

Israeli
officials are also concerned about Turkey’s growing alliance with Iran.
Israel considers Iran its greatest threat, citing Tehran’s suspect
nuclear program and its support for anti-Israel militant groups. >>>