Israel will not apologize to Turkey for killing nine of its nationals aboard an aid flotilla to Gaza in May.
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said Israel regretted the loss of life but would not apologize for protecting its soldiers.
At the same time, Netanyahu said he wanted to avoid further harm in relations between Israel and Turkey.
He also confirmed one of his cabinet ministers had met a Turkish official this week, which would be the highest level contacts between the countries in weeks.
compiled from agency reports
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said Israel regretted the loss of life but would not apologize for protecting its soldiers.
At the same time, Netanyahu said he wanted to avoid further harm in relations between Israel and Turkey.
He also confirmed one of his cabinet ministers had met a Turkish official this week, which would be the highest level contacts between the countries in weeks.
compiled from agency reports