This piece was reprinted by OpEd News with permission or license. It may not be reproduced in any form without permission or license from the source.
For months, Ankara demanded a formal apology and restitution for families of victims. Israel offered inadequate compensation. It refused to apologize. It never says it's sorry.
Relations became strained. Diplomatic ties were downgraded. Israel's ambassador was expelled. Military agreements were suspended.
Turkey's Foreign Ministry declined comment on Israeli remarks. Its judiciary is handling the incident, it said.
Prosecutor Mehmet Akif Ekinci seeks multiple consecutive life sentences. Proceedings aren't expected to be televised. They will be videotaped.
Last May, Netanyahu defiantly condoned cold-blooded murder, saying:
"I would like to say clearly to the soldiers and commanders of the Israel Defense Forces: the state of Israel will always stand beside you, wherever you are and in any situation. You defended us; we will protect you."
As head of state, Netanyahu controls Israel's military. Chain of command authority is similar to America's. Israel's Minister of Defense replicates Washington's Secretary of Defense. Military commanders report to them. They serve under chief executives.
In both countries, heads of state appoint top officials. Netanuahu bears full responsibility for Israeli crimes of war and against humanity. They include Mavi Marmara assassinations.
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
