Israel has agreed to purchase 50 million cubic meters of water per annum from Turkey for the next 20 years. The deal was announced following a meeting yesterday between Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Zeki Cakan. In addition, Israel and Turkey have set up a joint committee to discuss how the water will be transported. Last night, Israel’s Channel One television station reported that Turkey was holding Israel hostage by threatening to call off future military deals with Israel unless the water agreement was signed.