Turk PM blames Israel for rising anti-Semitism

NATO's only Muslim member has close economic and military ties with the Jewish state despite supporting Palestinian statehood. But Israel's crackdown on Palestinian militants, including assassinations of their leaders, has strained relations.

"We agree [with Israel] on most issues, but we think differently on one or two matters," Erdogan told members of his Justice and Development Party in parliament.

"We don't have a problem with the Israeli people, but unfortunately, the Israeli administration's current actions are increasing anti-Semitism in the world."

Europe has seen a rise in attacks on Jews coinciding with an upsurge in violence since the outbreak of a Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation in 2000. Erdogan said Israel, a major arms producer, could not compare itself militarily to the Palestinians.

"While Palestinians are using stones as weapons, your [Israel's] helicopters are raining bombings," he said.

Erdogan, whose party traces its roots to political Islam, has offered to help mediate in the Middle East conflict, but he also accused Israel of "state terrorism" in March for its assassination of Hamas leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin.

Turkey recalled its ambassador to Israel and another top diplomat earlier this month for "consultations" but said the move was routine. The diplomats returned within days.

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/439523.html