Netanyahu says Israel wants improved Turkey ties

Mr. Netanyahu says such democratic elections were "something to welcome" in the region

Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi, right, and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attend a news conference, in Rome, on Monday. Mr. Netanyahu is in Italy to rally opposition to Palestinian plans to have the U.N. recognize a Palestinian state in September. In background is a copy of a painting "Parnaso" by Italian 18th century artist Andrea Appiani.

Israel has welcomed Turkey’s “free and democratic” elections and wants to improve relations that were devastated by Israel’s raid on a Turkish flotilla bound for the Gaza Strip last year.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netnanyahu was asked on Monday at a briefing with his Italian counterpart for an initial reaction to elections on Sunday in which Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan won a third term.

Mr. Netanyahu says such democratic elections were “something to welcome” in the region.

Turkish—Israeli relations nose—dived last year after Israel raided a Turkish ship bound for Gaza, resulting in the deaths of nine activists. Another flotilla is planned in coming weeks.

Mr. Netanyahu says Israel didn’t choose to have relations worsen and said he hoped they could be restored.