The Transportation Ministry has authorized the docking of Israeli cruise ships in the Turkish ports of Alanya and Marmaris as of next week on condition local authorities tighten security in the area.
Recently the Counter-Terrorism Bureau issued a travel warning regarding a 30-kilometer (about 19 miles) strip along the southern Turkey coastline.
The warning came in response to “specific and severe terror threats” regarding the area between the port of Alanya and Kemer. At the time authorities said the warning may be lifted should Turkey remove the threat.
The Transportation Ministry’s decision to allow ships to dock at the Turkish ports was reached Friday following consultations with Counter Terrorism bureau officials; it was approved by Transportation Minister Meir Sheetrit.
However, Israeli cruise ships are still restricted from docking at the other ports situated along the aforementioned strip, including the port of Antalya.
'If they come, my friends will attack them'
Transportation Ministry Security Branch Director Danny Shenar told Ynet, “We have decided to resume the docking of ships at the port (Alanya) on condition of exceptional security arrangements that will be made there.”
“Of course we will continue to monitor the security arrangements. If they will be upheld, the departure of ships (to the specific Turkish docks) will be continued,” he said.
Earlier this month Transportation Minister Sheetrit instructed four Israeli ships en route to Turkey and carrying about 3,500 Israelis to change course as a result of a concrete terror threat.
The ships were instructed to head for ports in Greece and Cyprus.
The suspected terrorist appeared before a Turkish court boasting he planned to attack Israeli ships in Turkish ports.
“I have no regrets,” he said. “I was going to attack Israeli ships. If they come, my friends will attack them."
The suspect, identified as "Luia Sakra," was apprehended in the southeastern city of Diyarbakir as he attempted to board a plane for Istanbul, Turkish sources said.
Following the arrest the Counter-Terrorism Bureau downgraded its Turkey terror warning; the decision stemmed from increased Turkish security efforts in the Alanya-Kemer region, officials said at the time.