JERUSALEM – Israeli media report Israel's prime minister has sent a letter to Turkey's leader expressing hope for improved ties.
Israeli-Turkish relations deteriorated dramatically last year after Israel raided a Gaza-bound Turkish ship and killed nine activists on board. Each side blamed the other. It followed a series of tense exchanges between the two countries, once close allies.
The reports say the letter congratulates Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's re-election. Netanyahu's office refused to comment.
Israel's Channel 2 TV said Netanyahu wrote he looks forward to renewing "the cooperation and friendly spirit that have characterized the relations between our two people for several generations."
The Haaretz daily reported secret contacts are under way to restore close ties.