Turkey summons Israel's ambassador over Barak's remarks on spy chief

[Poll_Blind]

Source: Haaretz

Turkey's Foreign Ministry summoned Israel's ambassador to complain about remarks by Defense Minister Ehud Barak suggesting the new head of Turkish intelligence could leak information to Iran, officials said on Tuesday.

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The Israeli minister described Hakan Fidan, who was appointed head of Turkey's National Intelligence Organisation (MIT) in May, as a "friend of Iran."

In part of his speech broadcast by Israeli Army Radio, Barak expressed concern that secrets shared with Turkey "could become open to Iran over the next several months".

Already strained by Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan's repeated criticism of the Jewish state's policies towards Palestinians, relations dived after Israeli naval commandos killed nine Turks aboard an aid ship trying to run a blockade of Gaza on May 31.

Read more: http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/turkey-summons-israel-s-ambassador-over-barak-s-remarks-on-spy-chief-1.305757

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I remember when Turkey was an ally. I guess it doesn't matter: If it's a choice between supporting a criminal action by Israel or defending a victimized ally, well, you know which way the U.S. will go on that.

I hope whatever it is we think we'll get out of the relationship is worth it, because Israel is happy to use their own dispute to continue to drive a wedge between Turkey and NATO.

Maybe Israel just wants their seat at the table?