Turkish navy ships intercepted an Israeli research ship in Cyprus territorial waters and forced it out of the area. Turkey has been trying to create a fait accompli in the East Mediterranean Sea, unilaterally creating its own Exclusive Economic Zone off Cyprus and Greece.
The incident with the Israeli research vessel took place two weeks ago, Israeli media report on Sunday, quoting senior Israeli officials.
The research ship Bat Galim, of the Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research institution, was approached by Turkish vessels while conducting research in coordination with Cypriot officials and the Cypriot government.
On board of Bat Galim were researchers from Ben-Gurion University in the Negev, as well as a Cypriot geologist.
According to Times of Israel, unnamed senior officials said the vessels radioed the Israeli ship, demanded to know its business in the area — despite not having jurisdiction there — and then ordered it leave. The Israeli ship had no choice but to comply and depart.
The incident had been confirmed by Israel’s National Infrastructure, Energy and Water Ministry although the exact location of where the incident occurred was not provided, notes Jerusalem Post.
“Turkey does not have jurisdiction over the area of the Mediterranean Sea in which the researchers were working, but its navy demanded that Bat Galim move further south, as first reported on Channel 13,” the Post said.
Some Israeli news outlets referred to Cyprus’ territorial waters, which is different in distance to an exclusive economic zone (EEZ), while other reports said it happened “close to Cyprus”. Cypriot public broadcaster Cybc said on Sunday it happened in Cyprus’ EEZ. Turkish reports called the area “Turkish Cypriot waters,” Cyprus Mail writes.
The incident took place several weeks after Turkey and Libya signed an agreement dividing up authority over the areas of the Mediterranean between their two countries, which ignores Cyprus’ and Greece’s economic rights in the sea, granting them to Turkey.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry summoned Israel’s top diplomat in Ankara earlier this week to inform him that Israel’s plan to lay down a natural gas pipeline to Europe in that part of the Mediterranean Sea, in cooperation with Greece and Cyprus, would require Turkey’s approval, Channel 13 reported.
Turkey has recently taken steps to increase its influence in the eastern Mediterranean. It signed a maritime border agreement with Libya in November that has fueled regional tensions with Greece, Cyprus and Egypt over oil and gas drilling rights in the region.
The three countries, which lie between Turkey and Libya, blasted the maritime border accord, saying it was inconsistent with international law. Greece has expelled the Libyan ambassador over the pact.
Meanwhile, Ankara has warned it will use its military forces if necessary to halt any exploratory gas drilling in waters off Cyprus of off that it claims as its own.
sources: timesofisrael, cyprusmail, jerusalempost
It looks piracy in Easter Mediterranean by the Turkish Navy is at full swing.
Someone, should have a serious talk with Turkey. The sooner the better. The Turkish Government if there is a dispute with one of its neighbors, there is the International Court.
This is the correct way. Not by sending warships.
Remember, Prevention is Better than cure
Also I think if Turkey starts harassing Israel that Greece could benefit since although the US seems bored to help Greece with its troubles against Turkey, I doubt the US would tolerate Israel being attacked and could then benefit Greece since Israel and Greece are in sync with this issue.
Erdogan is increasingly desperate to deflect from his own trials, following failed coup where he jailed and fired thousands. This dictator even extended his reign to 2029 but this will not be enough when new parties are being formed today.
He would rather deflect by starting a war with Greece than face the gallows at home.
He will attack while feeling he has a military advantage and while empowered with Trump in office.
This is the critical time Greece that must be aware of before the November 2020 US elections.
Kastelorizo ( Grek island) is now cut of from the Greek mainland by so called Turkisk territorial waters . Second World War Berlin ring any alarm bells out there.This is dangerous game of chess by Turkey.