The Washington Times names recent developments in Israeli-Turkish relations a “strategic divorce”.

“Just a decade ago, the strategic bonds between Jerusalem and Ankara were strong and vibrant,” the daily reads and recalls the recent incidents that arouse surprise, such as the cancellation of joint military exercises with Israel by Turkish government. “Today, however, that warmth is just a distant memory. Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) slowly but surely has steered its country away from partnership with Israel.”

Commenting on the warmth in relations with the two former rivals Iran and Syria, the Washington Times says: “The country that once ranked as the West's most dependable partner in the Muslim world has increasingly drifted into alignment with some of the Middle East's most troublesome regimes,” adding that “Israel's loss is also Iran's gain.Tehran's leaders understood long ago that an Israeli-Turkish divorce would effectively signal the end of a &‘northern option’ for Israel's military.”

According to the source, the current Israeli-Turkish relations could be considered just “a passing spat.” However, it is obvious that “Turkey has become more comfortable cooperating with Damascus and Tehran than with Jerusalem.”