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Apology to Turkey? Why?

Op-ed: Humiliating apology to Turkey won't change Ankara's strategic choices

In the State of Israel, the term "security need" is the most convincing explanation for acts that do not always seem logical. Despite the endless reservoirs of cynicism around here, the criticisms and social protests, when the flag is raised and the word "security" is mentioned, all of us stand to attention, metaphorically speaking.

 

We whine but agree, because "there are things we don't understand." This is indeed a good excuse, with some limits (otherwise, it would have been used to explain the prices of apartments, cottage cheese and fuel,) yet nonetheless, when necessary and when the proper fog exists, our leaders appear and speak of security considerations.

 

This week it happened when the Israeli intention to apologize to Turkey was published. Seemingly this is an entirely diplomatic affair, with supporters on one side and objectors (such as myself) on the other side. Yet this time around, in order to convince the refuseniks, and mostly public opinion, the defense establishment was enlisted to the cause.

 

The explanation I heard from several sources was that the Palmer Report, whose publication was postponed by a month, exposes our Navy commandoes to future lawsuits, and if that's the case it would be better for all of us to put an end to the affair with a humiliating apology.

 

So this is "logic" with a security backdrop: We shall apologize, and Turkey shall in turn refrain from taking legal steps. This is a simple, yet highly problematic, solution.

 

Let's start with the fact that protecting our soldiers, as I know it, has to do with a high quality protective vest, proper operational planning and clear definitions of who's the enemy and who isn't. The possibility that one of these days a Navy commando will be detained in London is unpleasant, yet to define this as a fundamental threat is exaggerated. There are some people who never visited London in their lives yet still lived a very happy life. Yet a soldier who doesn't know who's the enemy may not survive the battle.

 

Now we can also turn our attention to the legal-diplomatic arguments. It is indeed possible that an agreement that includes a humiliating apology will prompt Turkey to refrain from future lawsuits, but so what? Where's the great achievement? After all, most lawsuits come from organizations and individuals. This is the real problem at this time.

 

Turkey is a problem, but a different kind of problem. It is precisely an official apology that would paradoxically serve as evidence for those who claim that Israel misbehaved. In reality, regrettably, apologies offer no legal immunity, and also don't change strategic choices.

 

 


פרסום ראשון: 07.29.11, 16:11
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