Members of Knesset reacted angrily to the downgrade in diplomatic relations with Turkey on Friday, September 2.

“Turkey, who supports terrorist organizations that shoot rockets at Israeli citizens every day, are those who need to apologize and take responsibility,” coalition chairman Ze’ev Elkin (Likud) said. “Turkey, who cruelly represses the national longings of the Kurds are the last ones who can preach to us.”

MK Arye Eldad (National Union) said Israel should expel the Turkish ambassador and demand payment of damages to the soldiers injured during the flotilla incident.

Kadima MK Otniel Schneller called for restraint in reacting to the downgrade.

“Our interest is to maintain relations with Turkey as much as possible,” he said. “This is in Israel’s interest and in the interest of the entire Middle East. Israel has a responsibility to maintain stability in the region.”

Arab MKs also reacted strongly to the downgrade, saying it was deserved. MK Ahmed Tibi (UAL-Ta’al) said “whoever kills pays a price.” “The Israeli Judaism will lead to an apology from the most extreme and most arrogant Israeli government,” Tibi explained. “It is only a matter of time – the blood of the Turkish victims is screaming from the ground and the water,” The Jerusalem Post cited him as saying.