Sources: Israel, Turkey in First Defense Deal Since Ties Frozen

YERUSHALAYIM

An Israeli firm has supplied Turkey with military equipment in the first such reported deal since the latter froze ties after the 2010 Gaza flotilla, Turkish government sources said on Monday.

Israeli defense firm Elta last week delivered to Turkey $100 million of electronic equipment for four Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft, the sources said, but rebuffed suggestions the deal was a sign of improving ties with Yerushalayim.

“Turkey bought the equipment from Boeing, and the Israeli company is just a subcontractor of Boeing, which means we are in direct relationship only with Boeing and not with Israel,” a foreign ministry official told Reuters, asking not to be named.

Israel’s Defense Ministry declined to comment, but an Israeli Defense industry source confirmed the deal.

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