Israel says Turkey more radical

JERUSALEM, Oct. 12 (UPI) -- Turkey's decision to cancel Israel's participation in a joint military exercise may jeopardize strategic ties, an Israeli government official said.

Israeli government officials fear Turkey's decision is an attempt to form a closer alliance with Iran, an unnamed Israeli government official told Maariv Monday.

Turkey Thursday informed Israel it would not allow the Israel Air Force to participate in the Anatolian Eagle exercise because it was concerned the aircraft Israel intended to send had bombed Hamas targets in the Gaza offensive.

On hearing of Turkey's decision, the United States, Italy and Holland withdrew their participation, Haaretz said.

"There are fears here and also among leading western countries that Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is determined to turn Turkey into a more radical Islamic country," a senior Israeli government official told Maariv.

Turkey has portrayed itself as a secular Muslim country seeking membership in the European Union, the official said. Erdogan appears to be intent on engaging in a process that will endear him to Iran and turn Turkey into a religious Muslim country, the official said.

Israeli officials told The Jerusalem Post the situation calls for the sales of advanced weapons sales to Turkey to be reviewed. A senior Israeli diplomatic official cautioned against taking drastic action in response to Turkey's stand, saying Israel should not act abruptly, the newspaper said.