“If a hand is outstretched towards us, we will not leave it hanging in the air,” Erdogan was quoted by Israel Radio as saying in a speech delivered in central Turkey. He continued, ” but we want to see an indication that it is a sincere gesture.”

On Friday, Netanyahu thanked Erdogan for sending airplanes to help battle the Carmel brush-fire which had already claimed more than 40 lives.

“I really appreciate Turkey’s help, we will find a way to express our appreciation.” The prime minister’s comments came during a visit to the Carmel fire injured at Rambam hospital in Haifa.