The collapse in diplomatic relations between Israel and Turkey means the Jewish state is likely to be barred from participating in a North Atlantic Treaty Alliance summit in May.
Israel could in theory take part in the Chicago summit next month in its capacity as a member of the Mediterranean Dialogue, a NATO outreach group whose other members include Egypt, Morocco, Mauritania, and Algeria.
But Turkey, which is a full member of the international alliance, is blocking Israel's presence because the government has refused to offer an official apology for the events on the Gaza flotilla nearly two years ago.
Nine Turkish anti-Israel activists were killed in the clash. Relations between Israel and Turkey, which had been stronger than Israel's ties with most in the region, have since deteriorated. In September, Turkey expelled the Israeli ambassador and formally downgraded diplomatic ties.
