Tourism minister: Boycott Turkey – maintain national pride

After Turkish National Security Council defines Israel as 'central threat,' Misezhnikov says, 'The less we go to Turkey, the greater the chance they get the hint".

Ronen Medzini|Published: 10.31.10 , 11:36

Turkey's National Security Council has defined Israel as a "central threat" in a new document presented last week. In response, Tourism Minister Stas Misezhnikov on Sunday called on Israel to take measures against the country which hosts hundred of thousands of Israeli tourists every year.

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"From a tourism perspective, we must completely boycott turkey and maintain national respect, in view of the recent decision. Not going to Turkey – that is national pride," said Misezhnikov before the weekly government meeting. He added that the remarks from Ankara "hurt the fabric of our relationship. The less we go to Turkey, the greater the chance that they get the hint".

The minister noted that the relationship with turkey was strategic, with no war or hatred between the two nations, "but, as long as the Turkish prime minister continues with his remarks, Israelis have little to do in Turkey. I hope that the relationship will return to the strategic level it had reached before the Erdogan era."

Interior Minister Eli Yishai also commented on the developments in Turkey: "We are very sorry about recent events. Until recently, our relationship with turkey was friendly and I am full of hope that it will improve, but it doesn't seem likely in the foreseeable future. These events prove that we must be a country that trusts no one, from a defense perspective. We used to have a good relationship with Iran 30 years ago, and look where we are today."

Turkey's National Security Council approved adding Israel to a list of "central threats" last week. The council decided to remove Syria, Bulgaria, Georgia and Armenia from the list. This is the first time that Turkey classifies Israel's actions in the Middle East as a threat to its security. The council's document stated that Israel's activities could lead countries in the region to open an arms race.