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Netanyahu Phones Erdogan to Apologize for Deaths of Turkish Citizens on Gaza Flotilla
(Ha'aretz) Barak Ravid - Prime Minister Netanyahu phoned Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan on Friday and apologized over the deaths of nine Turkish citizens during the 2010 Israel Navy raid on the Gaza flotilla. Netanyahu told Erdogan that an Israeli investigation into the incident revealed several operational errors made by IDF forces. Netanyahu "expressed his apologies to the Turkish people for any error that could have led to loss of life and agreed to complete an agreement to provide compensation to the families of the victims," according to a statement by the Prime Minister's Office. Netanyahu made it clear that "the tragic consequences of the Mavi Marmara flotilla were unintentional, and Israel regrets any injury or loss of life." Netanyahu added that Israel had removed a number of restrictions upon the movement of citizens and goods in all the Palestinian territories, including Gaza, and would continue to do so as long as the security situation remained peaceful. The phone call was the first between the two leaders since Netanyahu assumed office in 2009. At one point, President Obama came on the line and joined the conversation.