Turkey: Israeli ambassador not invited to Iftar feast

Israel's ambassador to Turkey, Gabi Levi, was not invited to the Iftar feast hosted by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, which many other ambassadors attended, Ynet learned Saturday.

The Iftar feast meal breaks the day of fasting during Ramadan.

"Once again Erdogan is causing an escalation (in relations with Israel)," a Foreign Ministry source said in response. "We will act responsibly and will not be dragged into the Turkish dance of swords."

During a press conference, AK party chairman of foreign relations committee, Omer Çelik, said “the reason for not inviting the Israeli ambassador is not on a personal level,” but rather a symbolic act against Israel's policies.

“Anyone who is unjust or inequitable can not pass the threshold of the Justice and Development party’s headquarters,” he added.

Earlier Saturday it was reported that US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton convened a special meeting of State Department and National Security Council officials to discuss the United States' relations with Turkey amid the crisis between Ankara and Jerusalem over the Gaza flotilla raid and following Turkey's decision to vote against tougher sanctions on Iran in the Security Council.

The meeting was aimed at reevaluating US policy towards Turkey. State officials stressed that the meeting was the first in a series of important discussions on the matter.

Yitzhak Benhorin contributed to the report

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