WhatsappLast week an Israeli couple was arrested in Turkey for espionage for taking a picture of President Erdogan’s palace.
President Erdogan insists the simple vacationers were Israeli spies and has now put them in remand for 20 days. PM Bennett said the following: “Officials at the highest level are engaged with this, and will continue to take action to quickly bring about a solution.”
Meanwhile President Herzog spoke with the couple’s family Saturday and told them that he was “convinced of their innocence.” The president repeated that the pair have no connection to any government security agencies. “We’re taking action to return them home quickly,” he said.
So why is Erdogan doing this now? Weakness. Bennett and his government’s weakness and lack of gravitas on the world stage has opened up an opportunity for Erdogan to squeeze Israel on a variety of issues – especially gas related issues in connection to Greece and Cyprus.
Will Bennett dismantle that relationship in order to get the couple home safely? Anything is possible.
