Netanyahu: Turkey drift toward Iran is worrying

But Israel really doesn't need Turkey. Israel has the only strong army in the middle east. If Turkey chooses to fight Israel then Israel will crush you. You Turks had better figure out what's good for you. You were friendly for a long time, as you ought to be, but if you change your mind and go against Israel then you'll learn the meaning of defeat. But Israel will welcome you back as a friend again after you learn your lesson.

You make me laugh whith all your little proudies comment meaining nothing. " Who needs the Turk anyway?, who needs the britons anyway¨", and soon " who needs the US anyway". Ah ! Daya remember that Israël is a small country whith only 7 million inhabitants ? Daya realize that you exist only thank to the West ? Daya realize that your kind like #5 are already buried if they dont stop annoying the rest oft the planet whith their arrogance. Who needs Israël anyway ?

trust me Israil needs Turkey more than turkey needs israil. first of all we are your allies or were and you cannot afford to have another enemy in the east. 2. most of israli population favorite destination spot for vacation is Turkey and unlike many other countries that dislike Israil, Turks actually welcome you and are nice to you.

i have got to say that only a few racists in Turkey takes it serriously. İt is actually a shame for İsraeli.

Ther is not sea in Ankara where do you surf? I bet you go to Cesme and Alacati you lucky guy. Enjoy it.

1. Israel deserves better then Lieberman. Similarly Turkey deserves better then AKP and Erdogan.(When can you produce anothe Ataturk or even Ismail Cem?) 2.But In Turkey all media is under government pressure. Sabah is the son in law of Erdogan and Dogan Media has been fined 5 billion dollars for opposing Erdogan. 3.Yes politics cannot be with emotions but wasn't it emotional outburst what Erdogan did in Davos? 4. Don't let Erdogan guide you and play your nationalistic emotions. Stop these Al Quds demonstrations going on in many towns where AKP is leading. You know Turkish emotions can go out of proportion very easily like 1955 september 6-7. 5. Don't have any doubt, with the exceptions of a very small minority all Israelis want peace. Jews are smart people as yousay. We are aware that we are only 15 million spread all around the world and we have no choice but live in peace. For the 100 Million Arabs and over 1 billion Muslims this concern does not exist. Regards to you too.

1. Lieberman seems to have his own local political agenda by insulting a friendly country. A childish behiavour that Israel does not deserve such.. 2. In Turkey this TV series is done over a private TV channel, not a government one. 3. My jewish friends , listen to what your friends in Turkey saying over the years vene before Erdogan came to power.. giving you friendly warnings. They try to help u not destroy u. This does not make Erdogan to be right person to talk to or walk away from a meeting at Davos, but see what's happening, dont be emotional too much. 4. Dont let Russian guy give u a guidance, and play your nationalistic emotions. 5. I suppose Lieberman and his followers also understand that peace is the way to advance.. not rheotoric talks. regs to u all.

Dear David, I do not want to go into personal discussion. I need to emphasize that I never defend Mr. Erdogan, his and his followers' perspective is far away from mine. In my opinion, he has severe attitude problem. However, if we would talk about "one minute" issue, you should not forget that it was a "reaction". I have never seen an Israeli leader talk such furiously and blame a Turkish leader. If there is a problem btw the two leaders, they shoud have discussed it (even fight!) not in front of cameras. Regarding the meaning of my name, there is a special reason for it. It was my uncle's name who was born during the second world war and died just before I was born. Of course my son's name is not so. Anyway, please emphasize our friendship, do not let radical politicians deteriorate our deeply rooted friendship.

With one masterful stroke, Israel just gave the seculars and the religious sides in Turkey a common cause, turkish nationalism. By insulting their honour you have managed to give every turk something to agree on. Seen on the background on the continuing siege of Gaza, you are starting to look like evil highschool jocks. Shame.

The attitude of Ayalon and Lieberman towards Turkish ambassador Ahmet Oguz Celikkol(and therefore Turkey), serve only to show the truely DISHONOURABLE face of Israel, in the international arena. So, Bravo!

We may argue, we may get angry... These are other side of life... But if again Jewish People will cry, Turks will do their best again as they did before... To judge the friendship and relations between nations cant be secrificed in daily crisis... We, humans, may live maximum 100 years, but for the life of states, this is nothing... Our states will survive and we have to try for better and better and not secrifice the future for idiotic talks and behaviours. Cause, future of our children needs our friendship NOW!!! We need to throw away dark glasses and stop pushing the easy way which is natinalism and so called "honour fights"... Whose honour, what honour!!! Honour exists when we exist and existance is the result of peace! As we say to each other when we meet "SELAM" or "SHALOM", we mean the same... Please do not secrifice your goodwill for the sake of "revenge" and "honour" seekers... May peace come to our region "Middle East" and may be for everyone...

Israel dont be stupid and mess with the turks. They are the sons of the ottoman empire. You cannot compare them with any other country in the middle east. Try to win them as a friend!

Dear Jason, You will understand when you will need Turkey... (I wish it never happens)... We have a saying in Turkish "You can not eat every bird's meet!"... It may not sound right to you from that distance... But in Middle East, Israel needs the Turks... Whatever it may happen, whenever Israelites suffered Turks helped them... As Turks helped 500 years before, while just in the last century Innocent people of Salamon has been tortured and subjected to genocide... Be careful when you eat a turkey in your Thanksgiving (I dont think in Jewish Relegion there is such thing), its bones may bother you...

This is what happens when your leaders are SELECTED ... NOT elected... There are NO DIRECT elections in Israel. "President" Peres was SELECTED by the Knesset. Peres then SELECTS Netanyahoo as PM, even though Livni's party won a MAJORITY of the Knesset seats. Netanyahoo the selects the ex-bouncer child abusing thug LIEBERMAN as FM, who has absolutely NO interest in making PEACE. This is NOT a DEMOCRACY... But please DON'T take my word for it. See for yourself: "The direct election of the Prime Minister was abandoned after the 2001 election, because it failed to produce more stable governments" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elections_in_Israel

I'm also stunned at the antics of Israeli FM and his prime minister's support of this most bizarre behaviour. First I was upset with Ayalon then I thought wait a minute, he looks funny perched on top of a high chair thinking he's scored against Turkey. He really humiliated himself and his nation. I am taking comfort in articulate comments like yours and conscientious Jewish folks who have also made it clear that they do not support obnoxious conservatives like Liebermann/Ayalon.

I really don't think there will be any fundamental changes to Israel-Turkey relations in the near future. Yeah politicians may act like.. politicians but I think these things will pass in time. turkey will stay allied to Israel. On the other hand, Israel having (and getting away with) such bad relationships with the rest of the ME (or the world for that matter) is a byproduct of the USA doing everything in their power to make sure no-one can even formally criticise Israel (look at the number of vetoes USA gives for Israel). If turkey maintains good relations & have some positive influence with countries Israel has bad relations with, it might come handy in future (ie if the USA decides to stop babysitting Israel). Of course, this requires turkey reacting to some of the things Israel does..

I say, Erdogan and Leibermann need to be blamed for severing the long established ties between Israel and Turkey. Erdogan was very wrong with his attitude at Davos and Liebermann is nowhere near to be a man of diplomacy. Turkey and Israel need each other at all means and I see with desperate eyes how they are ruining such good relations.

Everybody, stop picking on Avi. He is bringing the world together--giving us all something in common. Moslem, Christian, Jew, Euopean, American, Turk, Arab, Israeli. All are united in thinking that Lieberman is an idiot.

"Israel is driving Turkey into the arms of Iran" uh... no we're not. their distinguished PM Erdogan made this decision years ago. Too bad he has to drag the good people of his country with him. He are a convenient excuse, that's all. don't go beating up on yourself, Samos. not everything bad is our doing. some things yes -- Turkey running to Iran and Syria, no....

"Turkey has the largest population in the M-E next to Egypt and the largest army in NATO. It is held in high regard by NATO allies and at the UN." Remember when NATO recently canceled a joint military exercise because of Turkey's actions regarding Israel? "the breathtaking arrogance and hubris of this wing of Israel`s body politic." The breathtaking arrogance, blatant ignorance, and overt lies are yours, cummings.

Those Turks, sudenly feel that they became a regional power. They are not and are playing a charade that will backfire them.The secular establishment aka armed forces will not tolerate the tv dramas mr Erdogan is playing for the domestic muslim audience. If he does not stop his antics first the EU will not accept Turkey , second western coubntries will be afraid of doing bussines with him, finally lets see if Iran will also support him as they do with Syria.

Who needs the turkey? we need that for thanks giving. Don't take them serious.

You said "Turks [...] have a big honor coming from Ottoman Empire." Well, talk about the Ottoman Empire to any of the many million Europeans from Balkans and greater Eastern Europe, and even to Russians, and see what they think about the hundreds of years of blood, war, oppression, and living hell. See how much they care about their so called pride of this nation of Turks who didn't even contribute to world science or art in any significant way. The whole Europe fought like crazy for over 3000 years, true, but at least today's civilization as we know it owes a good deal to hundreds of years of European progress. Who cares about Turks.... Not even economically important, compared to Europe, USA, Russia and the like. Let's have Israel join the EU and NATO and end the whole show once and for all.

more than their own country......so israel could care less about anything else.

Just so shocked at the pettiness of the Jewish diplomats(!), I had to come here to comment. I reacted in disbelief thinking the Turkish papers had invented a crazy story to make the poor Israelis look bad. No Israeli Jew could be this stupid or unprofessional, right? When I got a hold of the picture with a stern looking Ayalon, uncomfortably perched on a high chair due to a protruding gut and our balding Turkish ambassador barely sitting on the lower sofa next to him, I gasped. I did not know whether to laugh or get upset. Do the Israelis not understand this ploy humiliated them and not us? When Israeli govmnt targets an ambassador who represents our people then you are hurting all Turks by your actions. I would have preferred that Israelis criticize Erdogan and keep the Turkish people out of this - especially those of us who will never vote for Erdogan's AKP.

Turkish-Israeli relations run hot and cold all the time but a definite falling out never happens. Ayalon's juvenile show must be more embarassing to our Israeli friends than to us.

I am turkish, and let me tell you the Turkish people want peace with everyone in the area. We do not want or need Israel to be an enemy, but after Gaza, many of my friends and people I talk to have grown increasingly annoyed and hostile towards Israel. My friends come from all walks of life, some religious, many not, but they all are very angry over what your nation is doing to the Palestinian people. There is a lot of anger over the lack of basic humanitarian goods allowed into Gaza by you and Egypt, we get angry every time we hear of Arab olive groves destroyed and homes demolished. Let me tell you something, you cannot keep this up. I am almost 30, and for the first time in my life I am hearing common Turkish people talk about going to war against your nation. If you keep this up, there will be a point very soon when the Turks will directly enter this conflict. And let me tell you, we aren't Arabs. We know how to fight.

the country's hutzpah is limitless! and I am ashamed of my country's support!

you should try that sometime

so?what did israel have now? one more ally? or one more enemy! tayyip erdogan has %38 supporter in Turkey.but because of this behavior,it is %100 now.congrulation israel!!! wait for our answer! you are alone now in midde east!

turkey has many different movies even some of them against government that is the movie should all movie likes israeli?

I am turk %100 no armenian or jews and turkey should accept armenian genocide 2) erdogan should stop kept his dirty agenda about israel i have many israel friend in istanbul and they are very friendly i dunno about israeli jews i havent met them but wonder 3) israel government should hold theese 2 morons in their cabinets 4) peace!

Mission Accomplished! The firm of Netanyahu and Lieberman have succeeded in turning another friendly nation into a hostile one. The self-fulfilling prophecy of a world against Israel is working. The goal is clear. Convince all Israelis that the world is against them, and that only Netanyahu and Lieberman can save them from the world. As it is far easier to alienate people and nations than cultivate them, Israel's Dynamic Duo are having great success at creating the situation they are trying to sell to Israel. Israel seems to be buying. Just like America bought Bushizm and Germany bought the Nazis.

Like it did in every other country that criticized Israel's position. I only don't understand why Israeli regime never attempt truth? Why Israeli regime is scared to look the real face of what it has done to people around? Why Israelis so much consumed with self?

Otherwise Turkey is quickly drifting toward an the "axis of evil." If containment of fundamentalism is the primary goal of Western civ today, here is a major opportunity.

How dares Turkey to crticize Israel for defending itself. Turks was the first people to commit genocide against the Armenians in 1915.

They should't act like politicians. They have to use the language of diplomacy. And what Mr. Ayalon showed today was totally out of diplomacy. I understand the way Mr. Erdogan and - hic counterparts in Israel- bullying each other, but the role of diplomats is to use softer language. As for my part - who supports AKP- I wouldn't want Israel to be excluded by Turkey. Well, hope things don't get worse.

Israel is making terrible mistakes. As we speak Israelis should know some facts about Turkey: Alarko Holding, owned by Turkish Jews, has been given billions of dollars in Turkish government contracts. They should be. They are Turkish. If there were anti-Semitism this would not be the case. Ofer, an Israeli businessman, is the majority owner of newly privatized Kusadasi Port, channeling billions of dollars out of Turkey every year. Anti Israel sentiment? Anti Semitism? Come on... Erdogan even tried to give a huge amount of land to the Israelis in the Turkish-Syrian border for a "99 year lease." It was stopped by public outcry. If Israel wants to be left alone then be it. Turkey doesn't need Israel. You want to pass the AG resolution in the US. Pass it. Then you will find out that your days in the Middle East without Turks are numbered. Good luck.

Erdogan can't comprehend that the situation in Gaza is no different than Turkey bombing Northern Iraq to fight the Kurds. All he sees is Jewish violations against his brethern, Arabs and Muslims who can do no wrong even when firing rockets at civilians and constantly trying to infiltrate Israel to carry out attacks, much like the Kurds trying to attack Turkey.

Israeli learn history well before making comment for Turkey

Now Israel wants to make an enemy of its only friendly neighbour. Who will Netanhanyu provoke next?

the message should be universal the secular public should reject the fascist leaders of turkey, syria, iran in the same manner, civilized leader should take over the reins in jerusalem

You are definitely not someone I would want to break bread with...by the way are you related to Miriam Siefer...the attorney who is representing the "underpants bomber,abdulmutallab"? You sound like her...you hate like her..sisters in socialism? Whatever you remind me of that phrase separated at birth..and believe me I am not giving you a compliment.

Israels enemies are not necessarily Turkey's enemies, especially Iran and Syria. Both are Turkey's neighbours. Just because certain countries label them as a terrorists supportes does not necessarily mean it is so. Iran and Syria have not threatened the world order, they only have a problem with Israel who is currently occupying the Golan and threatening to attack Iran. Of course those two countries are not going to be friendly with Israel.It has nothing to do with Turkey so Israel should respect Turkeys interests and stop being that selfish little brat it is.

hypocrite than Turkish PM, Erdogan. While those poster are asking for banning antisemitic ideas on TV and other media sources because those don't show the real face of Israel and the Israeli, they don't stop making generalisations about the Turk. As a person who does not share the point of view of the current government, I am quite disappointed and insulted with those generalisations. Not only has he created bigger problems between diplomats, the behaviour of Lieberman will also affect the slowly getting better relations between the ordinary Turks and Jews in Turkey. Some people visited the Synagogue in Istanbul as they were guest the rabbi to make the relations better. Seems some Israelis don't see Lieberman shot the Israeli in the foot. Because standing up against unfair treatment and national pride and arrogancy seem to be confused with each other.

Does anybody remember that at the time of the Inquisition in Spain, Jews found refuge in the Ottoman Empire? Or is all that conveniently forgotten?

israel acts like a child and ayalon wellcomed celikkol discourteously. is this israelis hospitality to a new ambassador. turkey does not need israelis friendship but israel have to be in a good relationship with turkey. otherwise they can not find the way to live in peace on that region. we turks have no fear from any country of the world. the evidence of this is our history, the history which says us that turks helped the jewish to escape from spain in 1490. we will be always in the truth side and against the injustice side.

Turkey has been out of line. They should not thrown stones while living in one big glass country. They committed genocide against the Kurds and the Armenians. Kurdistan is occupied territory. Turkey deserves a UN Goldstone report! I am a Peace Now member that is happy to have a Government that stands up for itself when bullied.

When the US needed its help, Turkey double-crossed us and refused to let our troops enter Iraq from the north. This meant more American soldiers killed, more Iraqis killed, and easier escape for sadamm's killers. It prolonged the war and hurt America. So much for the importance of Turkey to the US. It is not a reliable ally. Attaturk must be turning over in his grave to see Turkey slip back into islamic fundamentalism.

I think Israelis are totally right to respond to the very absurd remarks made at the Turkish TV series, particularly. But the response was humiliating for Israelis more than it was for the Turks. The way the response was made showed that the Israeli did not have the courage to express his words in English, rather than Hebrew, while the envoy was there. By the way, there is a widely shared view in Turkey that increasing tensions in Turkish-Israeli relationship is part of a game planned behind the curtains, increasing the influence of Turkey in the Arab world, and thus eliminating Iran from the picture. Nevertheless, Turkey and the Turks will always be friends for not only Israel, but all the Jews in the world.

Hi, Turkey will NEVER become a member of the European Union! You are talking about your greatness in every post and threatening Israel that you will not provide them with pure water and so on. You are valuing and glorifying yourself before expressing the will to work for a higher sake. You know what? Show the world your greatness in every way you possibly can.. when you are finished (or before you've even started) the European Union will crush all your dreams and send you back a lot of years. Long live the western world inclusive Israel! Turkey must shape up now, in all kinds of ways.

Lieberman used to be a bar bouncer. Mentally he still is and his behavior infects those surrounding him. Right on Avigdor, keep what you are doing and the state you are suppose to represent will be a pariah no one wamts to deal with.

that does not mean I will overlook their humiliation against any Turks including the Turkish envoy. I hope Turkey calls him and other officials back and freeze relations for a while. That will be the only sensible reaction against that atricious behaviour.

i think, turkish goverment is right.

Speaking for myself, I'm overjoyed to see you behaving like this. You're fulfilling all my expectations, and more.

Why do israelis have a tendency to divide everything into allies/friends and antisemite. Turkey has a right to object against childish policies. It doesnt mean that it is becoming pro iran or antisemite. Use that logic and peace will be established in the area.

Israel needs two things more importantly than ANYTHING ELSE right now. 1) Politicians(ESPECIALLY foreign ministers) who dont live in a vacuum. 2) An effective publicity and public relations department to right any wrongs disseminated to the media going back several years. Sometimes our arrogance is gobsmacking.....

"Israeli officials were angered by statements made Monday by Turkish Prime Minister Reccep Tayip Erdogan, who accused Jerusalem of using "disproportionate power ... while refusing to abide by UN resolutions" relating to its policy toward the Palestinians." What on earth is wrong here. You can hardly expect Erdogan to lie.

After watching how foolish and childish was the Israel politicians in power, I have started to think that Iran and rest of the Arab world might be right to try to have nuke to balance these jokers. Bells are ringing fo Israel.

If Netanyahu is worried then why doesn't he halt the endless series of affronts, insults and obnoxious behavior by his government towards Turkey? The Netanyahu government treats the entire world as if it is the enemy. The goal of keeping Israelis terrified of a universal world conspiracy to expunge Israel is good politics for Netanyahu and Lieberman; but it is bad diplomacy for Israel. Netanyahu's reckless and ruthless nature is going to do a lot of harm in the long run.

Your comments: 1) ["The breakdown in relations was initiated by the Islamists in both cases"] and 2) ["Turkey & Iran were both friends of Israel till ..."] show the disconnect that is going on in the minds of Israel's pols. Responsibility, in this case, is subjective. As is the definition of friendship. 1) Make a coherent statement of "Islamist responsibility" that an independent Islamist will understand and agree with. Can you do it (without the usual tricks used to secure false allies)? 2) It appears: Israel has changed little in the perception of Turks (a good thing), but... Turkey is suddenly being 'tested' by Israel (and will fail no matter what it does).

I saw that ambrassing situation on internet. But ayalon will learn that Turkey will respons vehemently. As Turish citizens, We never against israeli people. But the men who assigned in FM are very lousy.

As I understood you're following up the news and policies in Turkey very closely, so I think you also know the drama serie of BU KALP SENI UNUTUR MU? where there are scenes from Diyarbakir Prison...Then you can explain your people how we 're open to critisize our false policiy in the past... We hope you'll do same for the Cast Lead Operation, though the UN. reports and Peace Talks (if it will goes ahead after the last press breefing of Netanyahu)...

What do you expect from a former bouncer.

What has been done to Turkish Ambassador is not acceptable.He is representing the Republic of Turkey and 70 million Turkish people not the PM. Erdogan is just a temporary figure in our political history who will leave the office sooner or later. You may not be agree with Erdogan (btw me too) but you can not try to insult a Turkish ambassador. As a anti-Erdogan and pro-Israel Turkish citizen I am expecting an official appoligy from that stupid politician that very foolishly tried to insult my ambassador...or you can go hell. Don't mess with Turks. It won't bring any good to Israel.

Those familiar with Turkish culture with "AYIP" (shameless). When it comes to Turkish people, we don't care for PR, nor do we value opinions of those who we don't consider friends. We see black or white, never gray. We are blunt. Our hospitality is eternal for respectful guests, as too is our wrath towards those disrespectful and shameless. Diversions of the subject at hand do not sway our opinion, they are mere PR stunts and excuses for your belittling acts. Our conscience is clear. The same criticisms you have of Turkish history are being eradicated by Mr. Erdogan and his party. Our people never cared for Western diplomacy of saying one thing meaning another; we aren't good at acting. Every one of us (Kurd, Turk, Alevi, etc.) learns respect at a very young age and would know that this act is foolish. Don't confuse Erdogan's blunt outburst of disappointment by Israeli promises made to him days before Gaza with the belittling act of this Ayalon fool.

About last events.countries may have problems and sometimes argue.But it is very childish to revenge from envoy and won't solve anything.We would never have done this kind of thing.Dont forget that when your people banished from europe and Spain,we were the ones(Ottomans) who welcomed you.Because in that time you were right and weak.Now palestine is weak and your army is killing everyone.Therefore we are with them.I hope last events does not reflect your whole country's idea,just that radical Mr Lieberman...

Throughout history, Turks have extended their hands to Jews whenever they fell on hard times. Turks' and Jews' long history of living together is the history of mutual respect and tolerance. Hence, we reject the claim that ?Turkey is the last country that should preach morality to Israel' as a claim which does not comply with the memory of the Jewish people. This expression, which distorts facts, is unfair to history.

not getting fundamentalist but democratic...if u r following turkey, what u will c. for decades under the shadow of the generals we lived and biggest support was our western friends and israel one of the top in list. and we habe been teached that syria, iran,irak,armenia,greece all are our enemies and they want to destroy us. then with akp its started to change, opening the borders, finding that they are also human like us and the trade is speedly increasin, trust and confidence too. state solicitors judging the geneals committed crimes, this is first time in history for us...many generals in jail or being sued now... democracy is coming to turkey... thhis is the dynamic of the all changings in and out of the country. we are proud of our ancestors that they rescued the jews coming from spain in history...and for sure we would the the same always... dont listen to the politicans, they are not always represent us mojority.

Offending Turkey is offending Nato. Every Nato state will be shocked over such barbarism.

If they cannot appreciate friendship, then there is nothing to be said.

With Liebermann, the rightwing Torquemada, is the true face of Israel. At least with him, there is only one face!

Israeli leaders never miss a chance to make new enemies and enemies out of friends when we need them the most. For God's sake sack and force out Bibi and Leibi and the rest of the ""Mafia"". Shame on you. I am not proud to be a Jew today. Today is Turkey, tomorrow what? USA? We know that we made all of Europe our enemies.

I said before Mr. Netanyahu after seein our Ambassador like that even who dont support acts of akp which is about foreign politics supports 100%,who doing kind of thing a person who represents all nation ''not government'' cant worry about kind of things.

Israel likes to have other countries in their pocket. It's not working with Turkey. If netanyahu were a leader of integrity and not just a propagandist he might see that Turkey "moving closer" to Iran has more to do with Kurds and water rather than anything else.

Does anyone know how many Jews fled to Turkey in WW2 to escape from the Nazis? Does anyone know how many other countries welcomed the Jews during that time? Just because the current governments hate each other, should not dictate how the people feel about each other. We are all humans. We all bleed red. Believe me.

1. Turkish press made a big issue out of that 24 episode 2. Turkey did make a diplomatic issue out of the movie Midnight Express however could not get any response at the time when USA was enforcing an arms embargo to Turkey which was later removed with the strong efforts of Turkish Jews which included my personal efforts in NY. 3. Turkey also protested the movie Lawrence of Arabia but you may be too young to remember these. Keep warm out there. I heard even parts of FL is freezing.

Oh well, better save up a few more dollars and head off to the only country which regards you as an ally. New York here they come!

it is sad, that israel is losing an old friend. more it gives the enemy of israel in turkey an excuse. in the 19the century this stupid idiotic action could have ended in a war. it is an affront against a proud nation.

took over. The breakdown in relations was initiated by the Islamists in both cases,nothing to do with the antics of Lieberman,who as you say is a serious lability.

Your statement is an excellent example of an insightful and realistic foreign policy that the U.S. should adopt. Turkey has always been our friend and ally in times of both peace and war. Israel has not only shown that they are NOT our friend and ally, but that they will do whatever they perceive to be in the best interest of a narrow minority of their own citizens while disregarding what is in the true best interest of their nation as a whole. Their leaders have made a career out of disregarding the bigger picture that would ultimately benefit themselves as much as any other players in the game.

Doesn't look like it. But keep it up - it gets better every day!

from a hideout.

Very nice. First you destroy all possible friendships and then you say, "see our paranoia is justified."

Zionist posters who write here about 'putting people in their place', 'restoring pride to the plucky little nation' and - my favourite - 'knowing before whom you stand' (!) show the breathtaking arrogance and hubris of this wing of Israel's body politic. Turkey has the largest population in the M-E next to Egypt and the largest army in NATO. It is held in high regard by NATO allies and at the UN. It has been Israel's best Muslim ally, at least until Cast Lead wrecked things (as it did for most onlookers). Israel is a peripheral little country of 7m people with a limited conscript army. It is not held in high regard anywhere in NATO or the UN. On the contrary, it is viewed as the source and cause of the largest single problem in the region and one that creates tremendously unhelpful waves around the world. To be lectured by this dishonest, law-breaking, land-stealing mini state is really the height of effrontery and nationalist chutzpah.

shame really, as a Turk I do not support Erdogan or the AKP- I do however think that Israeli-Turkish ties should encouraged, Jews and Turks have a long history and Israeli civilians, like us, have to live every day with the threat of terrorism- bombs on buses and feeling unsafe. For all those calling to boycott Turkey I say go ahead, we really do not want stupid individuals such as the boycott-fans to visit us, and our new visa restriction removals with Lebanon and Syria and also our strengthening of ties with the far-east will only improve the economy. Israel please do not further isolate yourself, America is a great ally but you can’t exist in a state of perpetual hostility with your neighbours. Ayolan and Lieberman are disgraceful representatives of state (as is our PM) but to humiliate a diplomat? Again, it's a shame. Shalom and Salaam to Israel

If Erdogan persists in acting like a dangerous clown, cavorting with terrorist regimes, his people should sit on children's chairs. Israel is only making plain what Erdogan has done to himself.

There many good things for Jews to remember about Turkey. The educated such as me do.I had at university good friends (more like brothers) Azerbadzani and Tatars. I hope Turks can also remember a of several good things about Jews. Those are sad days now. Let's hope hatred and animosity will not prveil

Turkey got what is largely and long deserved. Well done Avigdor !!

All Israeli people should know that, If you dont have good relations with turks, you will die lack of pure water..

Anti-semetic TV programs are very dangerous to Jews and the Peace Process and Turkey's potential future role as the leader of an Islamic economc block. The Israeli FM's have struck back in a different venue, but with an equal or greater force and this is the cause of the ruckas. It was deserved, it was effective, it got the message out where Turkish TV would not otherwise cover the dispute or restrain itself from callus and dangerous broadcasting. If the bad guys don't squeel like stuck pigs, your not doing your job. Keep up the good work Lieberman!

Attempting to give the broadest posssible representation. There are moves afoot to change the system with built in vested interests working against it. Israelis can and do move on,there have been many major achievements in Israel,tough to have to tolerate,best denied by the bashers. As an admirer of Palestinian democracy you will notice Hamas got a much larger share of govt than represented by their votes.They took the rest,in the Gaza putsch.Now it is 2 competing states.

I am just waiting until one of the players gets his timing wrong and whacks one of the others with a shovel of sledgfe Hammer---the latter is my preference.

So to counter a state's complaint about the high number of dead civilians in a conflict, you think this is the best course of action? Wow. Really. Must feel good to play office every day, just like back in the sandbox after all. Helpful tip to Ayalon, whenever you feel the need to explain the intended insult to those there it just ain't much of an insult.

Turkey has overstepped the mark a lot lately and whilst Israeli responce was childish, it was still a strong reaction.

The Turkish Government controls the media that is depicting Israeli soldiers and agents as child murderers,the Turkish Prime Minisgter is most vocal against Israel. They are no longer our friends and we should out them in their place. Far below that of Israel!!!

Erdogin's feathers gets ruffled when he gets a bit of what he throws out. He has gone out of his way to publicly humiliate ,insult and lie about IsrAel; he demands Israel keep quiet, know its place and not step beyond what Turkey may accept. This is sad as Turkey and Israel have many common interests, however Erdogen repeatedly and obnoxiously provked Israel's diplomatic gestures

DIPLOMACY has a very specific meaning. Maybe something to do with being DIPLOMATIC in one's words and behaviour? After all, an ambassador is an honoured emissary in a country and is normally treated with the greatest respect. Sir Neville Henderson didn't need to do amateur theatrics when Ribbentrop lied about the Polish invasion. His words were brief and cutting. Roosevelt didn't need to rearrange the chairs when summoning the Jap ambassador after Pearl Harbor, though his words were hard and relentless. Lieberman really does not have a CLUE what he's doing. He is nicely cementing all Israel's former allies into a hostile coalition - the USA which is tired of it, the EU which is annoyed with it, Russia, which wanted a stronger Quartet criticism of it, the UN, which has no respect for it and now a surprised Turkey, whose political vengeance may be great. That's the real-world of real politik, which this Zionist clown is stirring up solely for a sound bite for his domestic audience.

Wouldn't it be good if just for once Israel behaved in a mature steadfast and sophisticated manner. Its too much to expect when we've got an ex-bouncer as Foreign Minister. You'd think after all our centuries of existence we'd learned something. We've had so many Jews be excellent foreign minister and diplomats for other nations. There's this feeling that we're ether inching towards a 21st Massada or as a former S African friend living in Israel says, the atmosphere is like the whites on the eve of the end of apartheid. It'd be good to know what comes next or know that there's a someone who can get help us out of this abyss.

The Israeli government is very successful at antagonising as many countries and people as possible. Lieberman is a disaster for Israel and must be removed before he does any more harm.

How many allies does Israel have left? then again it's of no concern to them as they disregard all international laws and UN conventions, why should they care if they have friends when all they need for their existence is the Jewish lobby in America- can't wait to show this article to my Turkish friend, she foolishly supports Israel's “right to defend itself against terrorists” well hopefully more people will open their eyes to the ridiculousness that is Israeli politics and don't be complaining about Erdogan when the Israelis themselves voted in such a vile, hateful, anti-Semitic man such as Lieberman.

This, and walking out on George Mitchell whenever he mentions Jerusalem are very positive steps. Who is left to offend? A smart man like you, with your "nightclub training" is certain to find another.

Lieberman and Ayalon very cheap heroes.one must give to them lessons about humanity

neither putting one flag on the table.

Erdogan is a terrible diplomat but apparently the Israeli side has a few similar minded like him too. Have any of these people heard of private consultations? Damage control? By making statements public, by setting up a photo up to humiliate an ambassador the only thing both sides are accomplishing is to make the situation worse.

ps: Let's not forget that in Switzerland last year Erdogan *stood* while Peres sat! The Turkish government set the precedent at the very top (or should I say bottom) of its diplomatic staff. The staff they need would be inserted in the netherland and come out the nose.

Within not too many years there will be a rather biggish war, bigger than fighting terrorists in Lebanon or Gaza or the West Bank. Turkey should beware not to be so openly anti-Western and pro-Islamicist that it alienates the US and NATO, gets kicked out of the alliance, and is allied instead with Damascus and Teheran. Because in that war, if Turkey is with the enemy, if it IS the enemy, Ankara stands to lose quite a lot.

it means WAR. I wonder why? I like the name Baris = peace much better. What do you think?

Please go to the Huriyet site and post a similar warning to Erdogan and his government to act responsibly since it was his hotility starting with the Van Minut opening (ACILIM as he loves to call) that brought us to this. Don't you think Israeli leadership showed a lot more patience then any Turk would have done?

I did not use the word 'but' in my post. I just reminded all the Turks to also look at the incident from the Israeli side. As you know current Turkish leadership has been provoking Israel to such an act for over one year now, starting the incident at Davos. You Yuksel never put one word here against it. So it should not be too much reminding you about the past Turkish acts that brought us to the incident that we are facing today. My Izmirli hemseri Ertugrul Ozkok of Huriyet often preaches 'Empathy' to his readers. This is what I am asking of you just show some empathy for Israel in light of all the humiliation from PM Erdogan. Thats all. Keep warm in these freezing New York days.

They openly admit that they use "disproportionate" force as a matter of policy (see Ehud Olmert; Tzipi Livni's Israel should "go wild" comments) and nobody can deny that Israel is in violation of dozens of UN resolutions, even if one wants to debate the validity of those resolutions. Nevertheless, Israeli officials have the gall to "punish" their foreign counterparts who dare to point out publicly what everyone already know. Spoiled brats.

A man who has no clue about diplomacy nor for the protocol cannot be in charge of the foreign affairs. Liberman's words and actions makes him the Israeli worst enemy. Liberman must go and do this now!

TV show 24 had terrorists from Turkey. Should Turkey have called the US Diplomat in Ankara and treat him this way for a Hollywood production? Nonsense! Erdogan. I don't support him, or whatever he says. Should he be silenced? Absolutely not. He has to be able to say what he believes in. It is a democracy. For the record, he criticized Israeli government's acts, not the people. The act here is done to a representative of a country. When you pull this kind of an angry high school girl move, it means you are insulting a country by saying you are better than them. So immature and unprofessional. I would have expected more from high level bureaucrats.

Your name is a great depiction of your fairness and enlightenment. We all wish that Turkey will be led by competent diplomats and politicians likes Ismail Cem.

At least Celikkol wasn't forced to sit and watch an Israeli play brutally reconstructing Turkey's massacre of the Armenians, even though it's a true story.

How petty and disgusting -- and I'm oridinarily a huge supporter of Israel.

Turks and Jews have a deeply rooted history of friendship and solidarity. I think we are the ones who best understood and bravely defended Jews against unjust agressions toward them in the history. These are tough days, but nothing can deteriorate the two nations' feelings of friendship. Please think and act responsively...

Subject says it all.

... indeed, our hefty fellows behaved like rookies in-a-china-shop...

Sir, you are a smart poitician and leader. Don't you see that Liberman and his ilk are destroying Israel's image around the world and isolating Israel. These people are NO politicians and have no place in the government. You should act fast and do something drastic about this worsening situation, before it's too late. Thank you and Long live Israel!

I disagree with you there, W. Israel's problem is that it has the worst possible form of PR, this National List system. It means MKs do not have a constituency or real-world constituents to worry about, they spend all their time manoeuvering to get higher up the list next time. There are far better PR systems. The Added Member System used in Germany etc., elects half or two-thirds of MKs in constituencies, so they have definite local responsibilities, with the remainder drawn from a national/regional party list to ensure proportionality. Better still is the Single Transferable Vote used in Ireland etc. There you have multi-member constituencies returning up to 7 MPs. You number your preferences 1 to 7, the vote is transferred in ways too complex to explain but the maths ensure no votes are wasted. It is a great system, because it breaks party power and patronage. Even the PA has a better system than Israel.

You are right about not needing Turkey.But remember that Turkey don't need Israel too. But with comments like this one,you will just put the butter on people like Erdogan's and Lieberman's bread who want us (average Israelis and Turks) to have dislike for eachother this infantile behaviour between the two states to continue. Don't let them. We don't have anti-Semitic programs in Turkey.Even if we had,noone really watches them as TV ratings in Turkey shows us. And please feel free to visit Turkey,or the beaches of south. I come from a southern city so i really find alot of similarities between us and Israelis/Jews. This government we have now will be gone sooner than you think and then a new government will come.Won't you,as an Israeli feel bad for losing an entire country,an ally for the bad doing of a government she had before ? Some commonsense please..

They seem to believe that they have the right to do and say anything they want and nobody is allowed to refute their lies. Israel is behaving too polite when they deal with the racists in Ankara. Time to act like a sovereign nation.

Israel is desperate to explain to itself why it is hated within the International Community. Currently it is certain tv programmes. previously it was Jeremy Bowen and BBC news, before that it was something else. After blaming telly fails they will blame t'internet. The one thing Israelis will never acknowledge is that it is the behaviour of the IDF towards the Palestinian people due to the occupation which drives hatred of Israel. It will always be something else. Even as we saw a couple of weeks ago an attempt to change the definition of anti semitism to include all criticism of Israel. It is puzzling when Israel needs Turkish water that Lieberman is being such an arse. Unless this is how Lieberman gets the price reduced.

Ayalon and Liberman are NO professional politicians. Their behaviour is petty and devoid of any positive outcome. What is hard to understand is how Netanyahu who IS a smart man can put up with such idiots representing Israel? This is simply unbelievable! It is hard time Netanyahu go rid of these dummies.

Turks had better watch the skies for the new Israeli robotic flying High Chair.

Shalom I read your comments on Haaretz and Ynet from time to time,and i should say that i completely agree with you. My Ayalon's treatment against the Turkish ambassador was wrong..but then i understand Israeli discomfort with Prime minister Erdogan (Whom i don't really like much myself). In my opinion,once the current government in Turkey loses next elections,which is BTW quiet possible,then relations with Israel simply get better.

... three hefty Foreign Min 'emissaries' sitting in phalanx-formation on their high chairs, facing the modest self-effacing Turkish envoy, who cowers in a corner of the blue sofa... oye vey, the way we accomplish such indelible settings...

Us jews must just grow up!!!!

leiberman is the first israeli foreign minister since eban that doesnt !!

In responce to Dani Soreman. If you treat your guests like this in your country what would you do to your enemies. Hopefully I am never a guest in your home

why is turky occupying n. cyprus ?/ why is turkey occupying kurdistan ?? why is turkey denying the well documented armenian atrocities ?? why doesnt erdogan stop behaving like acomplete idiot ?

I understand your anger at Israel very well after this incident with Mr. Ayalon?s treatment of your ambassador. As you know this is the first time such an uncalled for humiliating and undiplomatic thing has been done by Israel. On the other hand I expect your understanding since the Turkish leadership starting with the PM Erdogan?s harsh, undiplomatic and uncalled for words in Davos have been humiliating Israel many times showing open hostility by canceling the NATO exercise, Israel has been very patient. As you know there comes a moment for all that patience runs out. For Israel it took many Turkish hostilities until such a strong reply was given. Maybe now it is time for both sides to stop these unproductive acts and start making sense and be diplomatic. Iyi geceler.

Lieberman (or Dobberman as some prefer to pet) isnt crazy, he is just a maniac who wants to show who got the biggest balls! Insulting the ambassador can never give be a tension-relieving measure. it will Deep freeze the already frozen relations between turkey and israel..

I've heard about rants like Mel Gibson's. But is there some Israeli bureau that fixates just on other countries' TV productions? If somebody in Hollywood has a different view, will the US ambassador be called on the carpet? Are there guidelines for what is on Japanese and South Korean TV as to what might be acceptable to the Israeli Foreign Ministry? What about Greek TV? And Italian TV? Is the US Ambassador going to be raked over for the Changes with Jay Leno? And what About Simon leaving American Idol? Is that objectionable?

And it means that Turkey should get no respect from the Israelis. But at the same time, Ayalon's comments were childish.

self-hatred. God bless you for standing up to be a man where there are few, in Israel's national so-called "government." God bless you for standing for the "world's" double standard regarding Israel. If Turkey is supposedly a friend they wouldn't permit outrageous, vile, evil, lies to be aired. They wouldn't promote lies against Israel designed to hurt her, specifically regarding Israel's meek response to Gaza attacking her with thousands of missiles. The "world" would be outraged if Israel did what Turkey did in airing vicious calumny against Turkey.

"Turkey has always been a friend to Jews," the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement" Just not to Armenians.

Turks are playing central part in the islamo-fashist alliance against Israel(Iran,Syria,Turkey) and are looking for confrontation with Israel and the west.You can't support terrorism and at the same time to be a friend of the west.Stop islamic terrorists states.

juvenile propoganda on Turkish TV. If theyre intentions are to drag Turkey into the Ialamist camp,they are no use to Israel.

The Turks are producing a new TV series Titled " The Bouncer from Muldova" Liebermann will declare war....

Next time he can bring his own chair that will be higher than others in the room to make you all happy and nitwits here don't have to call a bouncer to knock someone down. 90 comments so far with 3 from UK Michael who won't comment murders in Iran,but goes crazy over the height of Turkish Ambassador's chair. Do you think I'm lying? http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1094795.html http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1137940.html How about the color af the sofa Michael,do you like it? Jee we better hope you do.

Isolate Israel further. They seem to like it. With Hizballa, Syria, Jordan, Turkey and Iran and of course Hamas, tightening the grip on Israel, I'm sure Israel is feeling pretty threatened. That's their own making. O, not to forget the US is 'FED UP' with the israelis too. Can you blame them? With a crazy and mad russian caslling the shots, and a notorious, FOX news prime minister, I feel bad for the peaceful israelis.

We were not having any problems with Turkey until Israel started jumping up and down pissing off it's leaders. In fact as Turkey is a part of NATO we havd pretty warm ties. It is Israel which is the problem.

Liberman is out of his mind. He intends to break diplomatic relations with one of the most powerful countries in the Middle East, and the only Moslem state to have had friendly relations for years. In his paranoid lunacy he will only be happy when Israel is boycotted by the world, . Then he will be able to say,"I told you so." Bibi must remove him immediately before he does even more damage. He was totally mad to have appointed him in the first place.

In Turkey, Movie producers produce hundreds of Tv series or movies every year. Non of them is supported by the government. This Tv series thet Israeli officials are complaining has been aired in a few private Tv channells for the last 10 or 15 years.I read a few articles about this Tv series however I didn't watch it at all. If you believe this Tv series you should also believe that Turkish police, soldiers are murderers. Officials are very bad people. I think the Government couldn't have done anything to stop this. I do not think that even the manager of this Tv channel did not know what they have done. We musn't credit untisemitic views we mustn't also take serious a tv series as they are insulting or making turkish state bad everyday

To be honest, in Turkey we also have a lot of "Ayalons, Liebermans" or people like those saying "KolHaKavod" here, Erdogan himself being one... But there are a lot of citizens who have positive feelings for Israel. Me, i am Turkish, I am not jew, and i always defend Israel against any anti-semitic people or ideology. This doesn't mean that i can't be critical of course. What Ayalon wants is to make all the Turks hate Israel. Of course we won't let him get what he wants! By the way, I am happy to know that Turkish response to Israeli ambassador hasn't been as ridicolous as Ayalons.

M: "I mean why settle for just humiliating the ambassador of one of your few allies, and explaining to the press how you`re humiliating him" And THEN turn around and insist that you never intended to humiliate the guy....... Man, that's bad times two i.e. you not only prove to the world that you are acting like a bully, but you also demonstrate that you are a gutless wonder. Danny Alyon, the Harry Paget Flashman of Israeli politics......

This should be in TV, it probably is.

time is running short and every day more with these people in foreign office sets us more and deeper in the mud; one should get rid of them as fast as possible. if you can't do it just resign and call new elections, perhaps people woke up from religious and extremist dream. IF NOT, LET US CRY FOR ISRAEL AND A DREAM DESTROYED

DB: "What did Israel hope to accomplish, especially by explicitly calling attention to the humiliating aspect of the seating arrangement?" Domestic politics i.e. Lieberman and Alyon were hoping to (a) give some petty thrills to their supporters by sticking it to Turkey, and also to (b) shaft Ehud Barak, who can now give up all attempts to mend fences with the Turks. DB: "In cost-benefit terms, this is an act with great potential cost and no benefit" Ahhhh, but you are assuming that the FM and deputy FM are doing these things because they think it is good DIPLOMACY, and in that you are surely mistaken about their motives. Lieberman wanted to be able to prance around crowing about how tough he is, and now he can. He therefore comes out a winner, and that's all that matters to him. The losers: 1) Barak, who has now been shafted, and 2) Alyon, who is now being set up to take the fall for Lieberman's diplomatic shit-kicking.

When the subject come to Turkey some Jews say "Turkey violate Kurds".That is partly true .Israel loves Turkish Army commanders not Turks.Israel and Turkey's army closest friends especially for Israel's self interested.

For sure I wish Israel well,I would love to visit again.But can I take you back to my very first managers course-the lesson that was thought to me was that only about 15% of all communication are verbal.Enough said.

Now that would be funny.

and not the Turkish FM. It was Erdogan who tried to humiliate Shimon Peres at the debate, and it is Erdogan who keeps opening his big mouth that spews hatred.

Turkey is more popular now than 7 years ago in Arab world.When Turkish PM limited Turkish Army's top brass influence on politics especially Foreign politics,Israel become worried.Because Israel manupulate Turkey via Turkish Army's.This situation is wonderful for Turks.

As more and more Islamic problems occur in the world , the countries suffering will see that Israel is not wrong. Maybe even you two will have a change of heart .

Shin Bet and Mossad have never in their history kidnapped anybody? I presume you watched Guns of Navarone over Christmas, The Great Escape, other mocvies of that genre. Plenty of propoganda films around showing the Germans and the Japanese in a bad light. How about those Korean war films etc. As for Turkey threatening the EU, surely if the EU refuses Turkey membership within the EU then it is perfectly natural for Turkey to look for trade partnerships to the East. Which for the EU is acceptable hence the refusal of membership. Where exactly is the blackmail? The real blackmail would be if Turkey threatened to leave NATO and sign defence agreements with Iran and Syria. Something Turkey has not done.

here is the discussion topics between ministers : - have you seen tonights tv show - no I was watching food cook channel , what happened - it was unbelieve isreal finally kissed turkey - oh my gosh , gotta tell to my mother

Know before whom you stand. Good job, Israel.

I just read Israeli tourism to Turkey has fallen by 7%. Excellent. many others will follow as not to support Turkey and it's too pro Islamic 'revolutionary' allies. And who knows how safe it will be for non muslim tourist?

Unfortunately due to the disgraceful behaviour of our foreign office, the reason for the meeting was forgotten. However, with Lieberman at the head, what else could we expect!!!

Yes, obviously Turkey is much more important for America than Israel. However, it seems that America did not notice that yet. This even to the extent that Turkey's main complain against Israel is that Israel is not lobbying enough Turkey's case in the White House and Europe. There is indeed, one America as Nathalie Durson wants. However, there is another real America that does not change even with Obama. The last one counts. A strong Israel is at the best interest of the United States.

If supporting Israel is a political liability, should America support Arab terrorist producing countries or countries with opposing views. Does not America have any more backbone or strength to support its allies. If not, America has come down a long way from its moral, political and military strength.

if only his country would stop inciting anti semitism and outright hate of jews and israel, then maybe he wouldn't be treated that way...ya know? television shows, funded by the govt or not, that incite hate and anti semitism, not to mention attacking another sovereign country, well, that then deserves what he got as that countries envoy. it's rather simple. The turks are serious hypoctrites...quelling violence in their territory much like israel has to do, and moreover, never having outright owned up to their genocide of the armenians. lieberman did a good thing..I personally loved it!

Actually, this is very funny, cause it looks like little children playing and quarrelling around a kindergarden. Lieberman and Ayalon made themselves look silly and idiotic. No offense, but that's the what I see in the picture.

We shouldn't mess with Turks. They are very strong in middle east. They have a big honor coming from Ottoman Empire. Turks can't take that kind of childish behaviors.

BE CAREFUL TURKEY YOU MAY NEED ISRAEL ONE DAY FOR YOUR PROTECTION AGAINT THE IRANIANS ETC ETC.

And how the Turkish Prime Minister behave in Davos with thee Israeli President Peres in front of all the world cameras is called what ?

What is good for the goose is good for the gander. Also, Lieberman is right. Ties with Turkey should be cool. Why? Because the truth is Turkey is not an honest mediator between Israeli and Arab. This Israeli attitude will make the truth clear for what it is. Israel should not be taken advantage of in the Turkish press without a similar response. Anything less would be foolish.

... like the ones used for babies - so that his head is above everybody else in the room. And they would throw pies at him. Then it will become known as Israel-Turkey Seating War. I say - these morons - on both sides - are pain in the ass.

Israel had no choice but to co operate with the US in the Pollard investigation because everyone involved did not have diplomatic immunity. When the FBI arrived in Israel they were thoughaly humiliated. and recieved almost no co operation. Today Pollard sits in prison , [no progress]

Who told you that you represent the jewish people?I know quite a few people that wouldn't feel they are represented by you.

Israel is started to act much more emotionally than ever happened. Turks is the only nation in history helped jews and protected them without any political economic and social self-interest. Jews never insulted by Turks. There were many jewish envoys of the Ottoman Turkish State and also citizens of Turkish Republic today. negotiation with palestians seems inispensible for israel. you should not create new pharaohs. Thanks to read.

This islamic regime of turkey deserve much more such welcome. I think Israel have to receive such arrogant and liar régime's representatives in bathroom or WC. They are changing all their citizens in a racist and antisemitic behaviour spreading lies about Israel on theirs medias and declaring bullshits. Enaugh is enaugh. They must learn they went too far in theirs lies and must pay for it. The time is over for genociding jews, Israel is a free country and now the jews can stand up !

I'll leave it to your imagination to complete the story ...

Did Lieberman made a progress in his inroads which countries will take israel's refugees when times comes up, because Turkey will not take them like in the past.Read some history you ignorant, Erdogan is only telling the truth. and do not forget my tax dollars are feeding you!

Well written, it does reflect what most Americans feel and think. Unfortunately as long as AIPAC finances the elections of our Senators and Representative from the funds that are appropriated to Israel then recycled back to buy the influence of our elected officials, I dont see how we can rid our country from the tanticles of this octopus.

How on Earth does this bit of foolishness restore pride or manifest any positive aspect of pluckiness? Only the weakest and most foolish seek to elevate themselves by humiliating another. These types of childish nah-nah-nah-nah moments have no place in diplomacy. What did Israel hope to accomplish, especially by explicitly calling attention to the humiliating aspect of the seating arrangement? In cost-benefit terms, this is an act with great potential cost and no benefit except perhaps nurturing the arrogance that alienates much of the world.

I hope Israelis will not go on holiday in Turkey.I have never been and I will never go.

The whole scene is stupid. Celikol , instead of discussing the agenda, he gets focused on the lower chair incident. Since when Turkey pays attention to diplomacy? Their Ottoman ego is on the floor. During the Ottoman Empire, Jews couldn't sit above anyone or the synagogues couldn't be higher than the mosques. They still think Jews are going to act like that. I think if Liberman arranged this on purposely, it is ingenius. It shows them their place and I don't like Liberman.

and copied what he saw.

If I was Israeli and I thought the clowns who dreamt this up were running my foreign policy I'd be really worried. It's hard to know what's worst about it. Is it the spite? Is it the stupidity? Or is it the sheer small-mindedness? Fortunately, we don't have to agonise too much over the choice, because with Lieberman and Ayalon in charge we're guaranteed all three!

He is not welcome at this time.

Erdogan is making an enemy of Israel, the country which has not reconized Armenian allegations. Is it a good idea to make enemy with that country? Turkey looks stupid to the entire world for this act.

The longer he stays as a foreign minister the worst it gets. Dont mess-up with Turkey, read the history books.

... figuratively sitting-on-a-low-stool and not receiving anticipated promotions during his career...

I really have a difficulty in understanding people who can easily comment on things without any history(or any kind of) background. Through the history, Turkish people helped Jewish people whenever they needed help. This is a fact, published and easily approachable by searching on the net. Actually, Turkey is one of the first countries that recognized Israel as a new country.

As i said after seein this picture every Turks even who critize AKP will support foreign acts of AKP clearly,good thing our officals didnt do kind of thing and show they have COUNTRY CULTURE which comes from thousand years.

So an envoy feels humiliated? How is Israel supposed to react to racist propaganda the only purpose of which is to dehumanise Israel in the eyes of Turkey's citizens.

Mike, the broadcasting is done by a TV network, not by the "country". It may be tasteless, but it is fiction after all. What's next? Take diplomatic actions for cartoons published about Israel?

"transfer Israeli military technology to our enemies" Would that be the military technology Israel stole from the US?

One thing is sure that Turkey will welcome Mr.Barack warmly on his visit to Ankara and this hopefully will help thinking what Isreel has been making for some years through diplomacy for Peace and how poor they are efforting to understand the others.

Israel foreign ministry is behaving like a third world country by fighting with movies. Turkey is your best friend in the region yet, you see no problem by humiliating the whole Turkish nation since an ambassador represents its own nation. Do you want to be isolated more in the world? Then you did the right thing by this childish, cheap act.

I have never thought the elected Israeli officials would get this cheap. With people like these in power, no wonder there is no progress in peace with Palestinians.

In view of Erdogan's recent inflammatory statements, I have no sympathy for the Turkish envoy. He got what he deserved. If he is upset, let him go cry on Hamas' shoulder.

Leiberman and Ayalon -very Diplomatic - 'how to win friends and influence people'eh?

Israel will have to deal with extremist amateurs like Lieberman as long as it use proportional representation. Without it, fringe politicians like Lieberman would be reduced to barking from the back benches of the Kneesset.

Did they forget Peres being bullied by a "heroic" Mr. Erdogan at Davos? He permitted himself to say that Israelis know very well hot to kill. Peres is the president of the state of Israel and the ofence was much more disrespectful. They shouldn't be so susceptible now!

Support of Israel is a political liability to the American government and a large hole in the pocket of the American tax payer. Turkey is a long time American ally who provided listening posts and missile installations during the cold war. In present time, Turkey hosts American bases near Adana and Izmir and shares borders with Syria, Iran and Iraq. This makes Turkey, a NATO member, key to American strategy in the mideast. Israel, on the other hand, is consumed by greed and is continually taking advantage with its relationship with America to exploit their neighbors. A falling out between Turkey and Israel is a good thing and will help Israelis understand their place in todays world.

I see that looks very childish behave from Israel. Very unprofessional and does not suit any diplomatic relations.

Diplomatic issues notwithstanding, what is your position on the issue, of a country that is demanding membership of the EU with menaces, broadcasting disgusting populist propaganda dressed up as television entertainment?

How was Shimon Perez treated by Erdogan when this Islamist Erdogan walked out on him in a public debate about Gaza, seen by all on TV ?

because once Liebermann screws up all of Israel's relations, Israelis will maybe understand that his attitude is harming Israel more than anyone else. He is sort of like George Bush of Israel. He is quite funny if you look at him objectively.

If ever there was a devil mind at work....it appeared in post 32, seemingly pretending to be fair. These messages are addictively entertaining; shame the subjects treated are so tragic.

This kind of behaviour of Israel makes me ashamed to live here. This is not the actions of a civilised country nor a "light unto the nations" (even one so dimmed). To treat an envoy of a friendly country - and to have an Ambassador in Israel these days still means that you're friendly - in such a way is a scandal. In days gone by, such a public humiliation led to war. In this case, it could precipitate Turkey cutting off relations. Turkey: one of the few, brave Muslim countries to keep relations with Israel. We can't afford to alienate and cut ourselves off from any country - let alone one so pivotal. Believe me, as someone who worked for a company outside Israel that sent millions of tourists on holiday to Turkey each year, Turkey doesn't need Israelis. Israel needs friends even if they're critical. Which other friendly country are we going to mete out this treatment too - and what will be the cost in Israeli exports!!

It striked me too how comfortably the Turkish Ambassador made himself on the sofa while Ayalon almost had no room in his too narrow, yet too high, chair. But, if this discord was "planned", then the planner deserves a prize for boorishness.

Tell me please how this incident has helped advance the interests of the State of Israel? Ayalon, Lieberman will lead you and the State of Israel to ruin...Mr PM, please get ahold of these guys!

We know that what Lieberman or Erdogan says in front of the press or public is not the state policy but a message to their party followers. At the background the real politics carries on as it should progress. But insulting an ambassador is more than a political message, it is an insult to the whole state and its public which the ambassador represents. That may force the smile on the faces of us, whom look to Israel with a great symphaty, off too.

The function of a FM is to raise the status of one's country, in a dignified way which is absolutely correct.What I don't understand is that you condone the 'undignified and primitive behaviour from Turkish PM Erdogan to an elderly statesman, PRESIDENT Peres, president of an independed country (and a few years older than this unnmannered, unrefined, uncivilized windbag),on an international forum in front of the INTERNATIONAL media. The message conveyed by Ayalon was very clear...don't F. with us, we won't accept this anymore. The 'shocked envoy will get over it.

....say thank you Erdogan boss and report to him the disgust provoked by him to Israeli ordinary citizens; that's your job, isn't it ?

This is the most stupied action I have ever seen in the recent years. But I have not been offended by this as this is ridiculous rather than offensive. Erdogan is a stupied man in regards to the foreign policy. One example; he supports Iran's nuclear program as it is peacefull. But How on earth you are sure that this is peacefull. If it turns out to be nuclearwepon what do you do?as there are many signs that they have not a peacefull intention. I am sure %99 percent of the turkish population has not met a jew or arab in their life and we have got too many problems to be solved.Why is Erdogan shouting everyweek to Israel.The problem is he seems to be successfull in regards to the internal issues So we are going to listen to him until 2015 as he will no longer be a prime minister after this date.

This Russian trained FM is bad for Israel. A violent type is not needed in Israel.We have enough Russian violence He is also childish with many violent followers Reminds me of,,,,

I mean why settle for just humiliating the ambassador of one of your few allies, and explaining to the press how you're humiliating him. Why not do the full bouncer bit? Why not take the Turkish ambassador down a back alley and rough him up, maybe break his nose, tread on his face? But seriously, one of these days, all the powerful people around the world that this government is offending are going to get their own back on Israel.

this is utterly unacceptable. No matter how big the disagreements are this is pure diplomatic bullying intended to thoroughly embarass a diplomat. Israel really should try to safe face by apologising. What kind of uproar would a similar treatment by Turkey of an Israeli diplomat cause? Treat others like you want to be treated

is to phone the government of the United States of America and declare Inkirlik (spelling) closed to American aircraft and that Turkey is withdrawing from NATO. Lieberman has overstepped the mark this time, and Israel needs it to be known. NATO should ban him from their countries and Israel must have any exercises or co-operation with NATO cancelled. Lieberman must be declared persona non gratis from NATO countries and the European Union. If Turkey can get Israel to fire at it that would be handy. We can use this to further isolate Israel.

During the meeting, Turkey's ambassador was seated in a low sofa, and facing him, in higher chairs, were Ayalon and two other officials - an arrangement carried out at Lieberman's orders. A photo-op was held at the start of the meeting, during which Ayalon told the photographers in Hebrew: "Pay attention that he is sitting in a lower chair and we are in the higher ones, that there is only an Israeli flag on the table and that we are not smiling." Are they nuts? Are they determined to get Turkey supporting Hezbollah and Hamas? It's like something out of a political farce. Out of interest, what's all this about 'only saying in Hebrew' that you're deliberately humiliating the ambassador of your only Muslim ally? You don't think the Turkish ambassador to Israel or his translator might understand a little Hebrew? I have to say, I've never seriously worried about Israel having nukes, but with jokers like this in power, I'm revising that opinion fast.

As long as we do'nt establish, by constitution, a secular state with a complete and absolute separation between state and religion, we are stuck, there is no solution to our main problemes, including security.

Who cares about relations with Turkey while they slam Israel day in and day out, while they cozy up to Iran and Syria and can transfer Israeli military technology to our enemies! Lieberman has made incredible inroads with countries across Africa, South America, and Easter Europe - not to mention Russia - countries more than happy to upgrade friendship with Israel. All Livni did as FM was travel around the world agreeing to any and every crazy concession any foreign leader could come up with - Lieberman honors the Israeli flag - Livni went out holding a white flag. Asserting our soveriegnty is essential, no relationship is worth bending over for.

with no culture, no education and not qualified to be at the head of foreign relations ministry.

Kol HaKavod to Danny Ayalon

... on a sofa, while his Israeli counterpart sits cramped and uncomfortable on an ordinary chair opposite... ... apparently Israeli Foreign Office staff find it difficult to obey their master to-a-tee...

May I say that I find your comment very fair, very reasonable and I wish your feelings about not agreeing with Erdogan's lies about Israel are shared by many Turks.

Someone has to tell you a very simple fact : your message is very clearly racist, totally void of any argument.

in Turkey (or anywhere else).

In my opinion, you've got it upside down : who insulted Israel in the first place ? It was Erdogan, and not just once, with lies ? Is Israel supposed to take that bending down as in the days of Jewish persecutions ? If the Turks felt humiliated, well they asked for it, blame them first. Having said that, Barack should still go to Turkey as he will not be shy to explain the difference between malicious Turkish TV programs, Erdogan's lies and Lieberman's/Ayalon's frank speaking.

What is good for zionists, is not necessary good for Jews. In most cases it is even the contrary.

Isolate and Israel even further.

I say - who needs the Turks and Turkey in any case ? Lets cut ties. Lets stop going on holidays to Ankara or to beaches in Turkey. We don't need to have relations with you whatsoever. Trust me - we have survived for many many centuries, while the once great powers of this world have become irrelevant paragraphs in history books. We have survived notwithstanding nations who have tried to wipe us out, or nations who have reared their ugly antisemetic heads. And we will survive well without Turkey. Lets not forget that you need us more than we need you. Keep your antisemitic TV programs. Keep your hypocritical PM. Keep your double standards and dont lecture us (The Jewish people) about morality. Goodbye and goodriddens

Just as i read Turkish officals didnt act like to Israeli ambassador,gratz to them.I dont like many politicans but they cant be worst like Liebermann.

The Israeli Foreign Minister and the Turkish Prime Minister, deserve each other. But we don't. Time and again, I am amazed at how these simple-minded morons manage to attain power in so many countries. I hate to say this, but maybe it's time to throw democracy out the window in countries with large backwards and religious populations such as Turkey and Israel, who through their vote these extremists usually get to be trusted with leadership. Something to think about for America, who pushes for democracy in undemocratic but moderate Middle Eastern countries. Be careful what you wish for! Hamas in Gaza should give you an idea of what's in store.

Please Israel ---keep out of the normal law abiding business of others. We only stick our noses in when you break the law----and you surely keep us busy.

Turkey will pay for Recep Erdogan's racist declarations and policies. This is the response to the Davos circus he made.

a bit of pride restored to the plucky little state .. ..

From any foreign perspective, it is hard to tell who is acting more juvenile.

Its a clear case of a politician using foreign policy to gain political points. By alienating Turkey, he plays to those who fear all muslims, and also to those who live in a world were all others are anti-semitic. He doesnt think of Israels best, but seeks to gain support form the likes of #5.