Erdogan claims President Herzog could visit Turkey soon

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says that President Isaac Herzog may be visiting his country soon.

Speaking to reporters, Erdogan says that his office is “having talks with President Herzog. He may be visiting Turkey soon,” according to comments reported by the Anadolu news agency.

A spokesman for Herzog declined to respond to Erdogan’s comments.

Erdogan called Herzog last week to bid him condolences on the death of his mother, after he also sent a letter to the president. Erdogan “called to offer his personal sympathies,” said the president’s office. Erdogan told Herzog that his late mother, Aura Herzog, would be proud “of your service to the citizens of Israel.”

Erdogan also spoke with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett in November following the release of an Israeli couple arrested and held for more than a week in Istanbul.

It was the first call between Erdogan and an Israeli leader since 2013, as Ankara has indicated it is seeking a rapprochement with Jerusalem.