Herzog: Erdogan open to true dialogue, tie-building advancing ‘under no illusions’

In Turkey, President Isaac Herzog says his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been “open to true dialogue on numerous and varied issues, and we got down to details on matters of importance for both sides.”

He says the process of rekindling ties with Ankara is being carried out “under no illusions, but reflects bilateral interests.”

Herzog says he hopes he has laid the groundwork for developing the nations’ ties.

Speaking anonymously, a source in the president’s entourage adds that issues such as Hamas’s activity in Turkey, relations with the Palestinians and other political matters were discussed in Herzog and Erdogan’s meeting.

The source adds that it is natural that there are “deliberations” in Israel on how to treat “the opportunity that has arisen,” adding that “the question is whether to turn our backs or to do our utmost and take advantage [of this opportunity] for both peoples.”