The international media is quoting Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan told reporters in Toronto that his country has made the decision to close its airspace to Israeli aircraft, a move compelled by Israel’s May 31st Mavi Marama commando operation which left nine Turkish national dead.

Yediot Achronot reported on Sunday that a flight carrying IDF personnel to Auschwitz was prevented from entering Turkish airspace. The flight was compelled to use an alternative aerial route. Israel remained silent in keeping with its policy of not reacting in the hope of calming relations between the former staunch ally.

Civil Air Administration officials report on Monday the agency has not received any such notification from Turkey. This statement was echoed by Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz, who confirms that for the time being, flights are continuing on their regular flight path, which includes Turkey.

12:17 IL: Turkish diplomatic officials in Israel report that Turkey has closed its skies to Israeli military flights, not civilian aircraft.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)