World Bulletin / News Desk

Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said better ties with Turkey will be in the interest of both nations.

Speaking to foreign reporters on Monday, Netanyahu said both Turkey and Israel are facing the "same threats" and "challenges" when asked if his government is considering steps to mend ties with Ankara before or after elections slated for January next year.

“I think good relations between Israel and Turkey are in the best interest of both countries,” Netanyahu said, adding that challenges the two countries are facing will help them to overcome problems in the future in normalization of ties.

Turkish and Israeli ties collapsed in 2010 when Israeli naval commandos raided Gaza-bound Mavi Marmara ship carrying humanitarian aid to break Israeli-imposed naval blockode, killing nine Turks. Turkey demands apology, lift of Gaza blockade and compensation to families of the victims. Israel only expressed regrets and said its soldiers acted in "self-defense".