US Vice President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed over the phone today ways to improve ties between Israel and Turkey, the White House announced in a statement.

"Following up on their recent discussion in Davos, Switzerland, Vice President Biden called Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu earlier today to discuss ongoing efforts to improve Israel-Turkey relations and advance energy cooperation in the eastern Mediterranean," the statement said.

Relations between Turkey and Israel deteriorated after an incident in 2010 when Israeli forces stormed a humanitarian convoy of six boats, including one under Turkey's flag, to approach the Gaza Strip. Eight Turkish citizens were killed in the incident.

Turkey responded by expelling the Israeli ambassador and recalled its ambassador from Israel.

Source: MENA