Istanbul, Turkey ? Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has accused his Israeli counterpart of “terrorism,” compared Israel’s crackdown against Palestinians to the Spanish Inquisition and said Israeli actions fuel anti-Semitism.

But today Erdogan, whose party has its roots in Turkey’s Islamic movement, heads to the Jewish state in a trip aimed not just at repairing relations but also at boosting Turkey’s image in the United States and in Europe, where debate is raging over whether to let Turkey into the European Union.

The trip comes as Turkey’s ties with key allies are strained, with some in Washington questioning Turkey’s role as a strategic ally and Europeans increasingly skeptical about letting Turkey into their club. On top of that, newly elected Pope Benedict XVI is emphasizing the continent’s Christian roots.

Erdogan “is swallowing his pride in order to regain his lost stature in Washington,” said Duygu Bazoglu Sezer, a professor of political science at Ankara’s Bilkent University.

The first blow was the Iraq war, when Erdogan’s government refused to grant the U.S. permission to use Turkish bases. What particularly enraged U.S. officials was that Turkey took so long to give a clear answer that cargo ships carrying tanks and jeeps were forced to circle off the Turkish coast for almost a month.

Relations with the EU are also showing signs of strain, with Europeans increasingly questioning Turkey’s hopes for membership and EU officials frustrated at what they say is the slow pace of reforms since December.

By going to Israel, a crucial U.S. ally, Erdogan apparently hopes to restore some of his luster, showing himself as a leader who will have a role in the Middle East peace process and softening the perception of him in some countries as an Islamist.

The visit, which will include meetings with Palestinian leaders, will clearly be welcomed by Washington.

“There is a sense that he needs to make up with the United States and Israel might play a key role,” Sezer said.