Turkey-Israel Snap Analysis: Talks Continue in Geneva, Sides Close to Agreement

Turkish diplomatic sources say that Israel and Turkey are close to agreeing on a document that will include Israel's apology and compensation for the nine Turkish citizens killed in the May attack on the Freedom Flotilla.

Two rounds of talks in Geneva --- between Yosef Ciechanover, Israel's representative on the UN panel investigating the Flotilla incident, and Undersecretary of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Feridun Sinirlioglu have been "very positive" and will continue, according to the sources.

In return for the apology/compensation, the Israeli side is asking for a Turkish admission that the raid on the Gaza-bound flotilla had no malicious intent, that Ankara drop the insistence on an investigation by an independent international committee,  and that the Turks appoint a new ambassador. 

Questions remain. For instance, if Israel offers a clear and simple apology, will there be legal consequences? Will Turkey's immediate political gains crumble when it becomes clear that its other demands have been flatly rejected by West Jerusalem? To sweep away recent tensions and current suspicions over regional manoeuvres by both sides, will a letter of apology be enough?