Israel may plan to impose restrictions on the charitable activities of TIKA Turkey’s overseas aid arm after Arab countries accused Turkey of trying to wield greater influence in east Jerusalem according to an Israeli TV report aired Saturday.
Late last month Haaretz newspaper had reported that Saudi Arabia Jordan and the Palestinian Authority had all warned the Israeli government of Turkish moves to boost its presence in Jerusalem.
According to Israel Television News Company Israeli officials are keeping a close eye on Turkish organizations active in the holy city and also have fears over the growing participation of Turkish nationals in Palestinian protests in the city.
The TV report which did not cite sources conveyed Israel’s concern over Turkey’s attempts to impose its influence over the Aqsa Mosque through different activities and to strengthen the steadfastness of the Jerusalemites the native population of the holy city.
Israel’s national security council reportedly drafted a plan to curtail TIKA’s activities in Jerusalem and the Palestinian territories the report claimed.
The report suggested Israel would demand the charity obtain unspecified “approval” for its activities or that Israel would place a “general restriction” on it.
The plan would only be enacted with Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu’s approval and is slated for further discussion next week the report said.
