The Israeli-Turkish relations are deteriorating further, despite the far-fetched cause. If the problem is only the unblocking of Gaza, the border was also closed by Egypt, which, by the way, opened it after the meeting of Hosni Mubarak with US Vice-President Joe Biden. Besides, Turkey cannot stage a provocation alongshore Egypt. Firstly because of the Islamic solidarity that manifests itself quite peculiarly and selectively, and secondly because it's more trouble than it is worth: Erdogan is a brave man, but to a certain point, i.e. until he is sure his actions are good for Turkey. Otherwise he stops and bargains for the best possible conditions. This practice is not new – the same policy was pursued by the Ottoman Empire, which turned everything (even its own failures) to its profit.

During a visit to Turkey, Russian Prime Minister is also expected to meet with President Abdullah Gul.