Formal apology from Israel was released late on Wednesday ending a diplomatic crisis emanated from Israel's Foreign Ministry.
On Monday, Israel's deputy foreign minister, Danny Ayalon, summoned the Turkish ambassador Oduz Çelikkol to complain about a TV show. The ambassador was invited to sit on a low sofa without a handshake, while Ayalon explained to local TV stations that "the humiliation was intentional".
Accordingly President Gül said Turkey would recall its ambassador to Tel Aviv if a formal apology was not released.
Sending a letter to Ambassador Çelikkol late on the day, Ayalon apologized to the ambassador and to Turkish people. Ayalon said in his letter that "I had no intention to humiliate you personally and apologize for the way the demarche was handled and perceived."
"Please convey this to the Turkish people for whom we have great respect. I hope that both Israel and Turkey will seek diplomatic and courteous channels to convey messages as two allies should," he added.
Diplomatic sources said the decision to send a formal apology was taken by Israeli President Peres and Prime Minister Netenyahu. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said a letter of apology has been written, and the premier "hopes this will end the affair".
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutodlu said during his visit to Zagreb that "the issue has been resolved at this stage". The Foreign Minister highlighted indignation among Turkish society regarding the human tragedy in Gaza, reiterating that Turkey's stance will continue as it is until Israel adopts a peaceful policy.
In the wake of his visit to Russia, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdodan told reporters concerning Israel's letter "Turkey has received what it diplomatically expected," adding that "Turkey will be what it has been up until now; therefore it is Israel that should set its position in order."