Russia Interested in Turkey-Israel Gas Relations

Russia is interested in the possibility of gas ties between the Israel and Turkey, countries, according to a report in Israel newspaper Ha'aretz .

According to the report, Israeli foreign ministry’s director-general Dore Gold met his counterpart Sergei Lavrov in Moscow February 18 to discuss cooperation between Russia and Israel and arms deals that Moscow might do with Iran, including a sale of S-300 anti-aircraft missiles, to which Israel objects.

Lavrov then asked the Israeli delegation about the rapprochement with Turkey and possible gas deals.

Russia relations with Turkey are at an all-time low since the downing of a Russian warplane last November, after which Russia imposed tourism and trade sanctions on Turkey stopping short of natural gas sanctions. Turkey is one of the main markets for gas from Israel’s Leviathan field and also Russia’s largest overseas gas buyer.

Thawing Relations

Israel and Turkey have been negotiating an agreement to end the crisis in their relationship stemming from the Mavi Marmara incident in May 2010.

Economic relations between the countries have remained healthy and bilateral trade grew steadily until 2014, despite trading public insults and the expelling of ambassadors.

Things took a turn when Turkey became isolated in the region following the downing of the Russian aircraft. Turkey is also at odds with Egypt and has not recognized the legality of its president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. He ousted Muhamad Morsi, a member of the Muslim Brotherhood which was supported by Turkey. Turkey's main declared goal in reconciliation with Israel is the removal of the naval blockade and assisting the Gaza Strip which is controlled by Hamas, a foe of the Egyptian regime.

Ya'acov Zalel