We see the image Israel rebuffs Turkish demand for raid apology
Jerusalem (CNN) -- "Israel will never apologize for defending its citizens," a high-ranking Israeli government official told CNN on Monday, after Turkey reportedly demanded an apology or an inquiry into an Israeli raid on an aid ship that killed nine Turkish citizens.
"Of course we regret the loss of life, but it was not the Israeli side that initiated the violence," the official said.
Israel's Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman later rejected Ankara's demand more bluntly.
"We have no intention of apologizing to Turkey," he said, according to the ministry.
Israel is "concerned" about what it sees from Turkey, he said, but added: "These sort of expressions are a part of a Turkish change of direction and a new Turkish policy, which is an internal matter we cannot get involved in."
Hurriyet newspaper quoted Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu Monday as saying that Turkey would "cut off relations" with Israel unless "they either apologize or accept an international commission and its report."
"(The) Israelis have three options: They will either apologize or acknowledge an international-impartial inquiry and its conclusion. Otherwise, our diplomatic ties will be cut off," Davutoglu told Hurriyet early Sunday in an interview on his plane returning from Kyrgyzstan, the newspaper reported.
Coppid by Cnn
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