Israel Matzav: Turkey opts out of military maneuvers with Israel

Turkey opts out of military maneuvers with Israel

Turkey decided on Friday to opt out of joint military maneuvers with Israel according to a report from the Kuwait News Agency.

Turkey decided on Friday to opt out of air force maneuvers in which military aircraft from Israel, the US, Italy, and NATO will be taking part, local media reported.

This decision to quit "Anatolian Eagle" coincides with Israeli attacks and violations against the Aqsa Mosque and Al-Quds (Jerusalem).

Turkey did not officially state the reason behind the decision to cancel participation in the drills planned for October 12-24. However, the announcement was received most favorably by the public after several demands that the government ban Israeli planes which bombard Palestinian territories from flying in Anatolian airspace.

The maneuvers were scheduled to take place at Konya air base, in the heart of Turkey.
Israel participated in the joint military training 15 times with 10 aircraft at a time, virtue of a treaty ratified between Turkey and Israel in 1996.

This continues the trend of Turkey's increasingly cold relations with Israel since Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan stormed off a podium he was sharing with Israeli President Shimon Peres last winter. Turkey is clearly on its way to becoming an Islamist state.

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Israel Matzav: Turkey opts out of military maneuvers with Israel