Peres: Humiliation of Turkey envoy does not reflect Israel's diplomacy

The people of Israel (Israelis self and Jews) are just too much tired of being acussed to be killers and the whole stereotypes around us. This kind of things are just the reponse of how sensitive is the people of israel when in Turkey you see a tv show that shows how evil are the israelis. That is not fair and that is also for me a humiliation...

the big enemy of man kind is man himself.all the wars that tookplace and took many lives of poor soldiers is becuase of bad misbahaving of authorities,and problem of eggo.there was no single approperiate reason for conducting any war. war happens when authorities pocket is full of dollars cuasing inflexability &inability to negotiate.so the world is full of foolish!what is annoying is children of the poor searching for piece of bread has to pay the price.ayaloon should have hit this poor ambassador by astick on his leg like akid instead of humiliating that way!!

FIRST, demand demand Turkey apologize to Israel for an event that took place 33 years before Israel became a nation, and that had absolutely nothing to do with Jews. What a sophisticated brilliant paradigm of Israeli diplomatic skill and logic. Call in the Turkish Ambassador, humiliate him because Israel does not like a film shown in his country, and then demand an apology for an incident that took place in 1915. You represent an Israel that is a totally unsophisticated, tacky, third world, banana republic. It's good of you to point out a Palestinians incitement to Jewish ethnic cleansing. It ranks right up there with: Israel's first chief Rabbi, Kook, who said, non-Jews must either be enslaved, banished or exterminated; or Rabbi Manis Friedman who called on Israelis to kill Palestinian men, women, and children, and their cattle; or Rabbi David Barsi, who called Arabs, a blight,a devil, a disaster...donkeys...and dont walk on all fours because we need them to clean and build.

Deputy Foreign Minister Ayalon's response was measured and totally appropriate. The real issue here is the seismic change in Turkey's attitude toward Israel from friendly to hostile. The reason for this change might be Iranian influence, Islamic fundalmentalism, internal Turkish politics or all of the above. Anti semitism can never be tolerated whether it is state sponsored or media sponsored. and Turkey owes Israel an apology.

hey im a half blood, turkish-kurdish guy and i have never seen someone say anything bad to me. do not believe everything on tv. turkish troops only attacks PKK headquarters(some mountains), not their own cities.

Ayalon's letter begins with: "His Excellency, I wish to express my personal respect for you"... That "His" (instead of "Your") reveals the real level of respect, the real level of literacy...

It is indeed the state who is responsible, Esther. He and his bunch were elected by people of the state. And Netanyahu, also elected by people of the state was obliged to give Lieberman that portfolio in order to form his coalition, despite knowing what a poor choice the man is for just about any Ministry. Worse yet, Netanyahu can't afford to limit him too much either, for fear of his coalition breaking up. Our system completely sucks! I enjoy reading your comments, Esther. Never lose your sanity.

Look at you guys,talkin smart an all.Some say who is Turkey to criticize us after all didn't they Murder and still murderin kurds,now what the hell is that to do with the subject!why mixing apples and oranges,then who the hell is france with their bloody hands in algeirs and elsewhere,or Germany's killing machine,China is no better,US Don't even start because it's ugly! Why instead of pointin fingers at other peoples criminal activities let's for once look at the mirror.NoW what do you see!Punc Now the issue that Israel is strugglin with has been brewing quietly for a while.Some smart experienced politicians like Peres know the change that is coming but most are in denial.Israel should acclimate to the new drift from above!

Israel has diplomacy?

Onyour third point when you say Iran Lebanon and Syria shifting towards Turkey: 1. Iran definitely is not. 2. If you look at the president of Syria Assad a dentist trained in England with a wife that cannot be separated from a western lady with her modern looks, same for Mr. Hariti of Lebanon and JOrdan's king too and then you look at Mr. Erdogan and President Gul's wives covered like Arabs one can only say that Turkey is becoming like Iran while Syria, Jordan are getting more and more western. The issue between Syria and Israel is about land and border and security for Israel. Somewhere there is a common ground an I trust one day they will find since Mr. Assad is not an ideological extremist, he is a pragmatic and respectful enemy that will one day be friend. The problem with Iran and Mr. Erdogan is that their quest is ideological and their ideology of theocracy cannot coexist with democracy. Either one or the other

It does not reflect on Israel's diplomacy as a whole, BUT it is indicative of the present FM's arrogance and that of the person that chose him!!

First, I'm a Turk living abroad, to defuse confusion. For all these comments. None is near the facts. 1. Turkey did bad bad things against Armenians & Kurds. For some of the commentators, we should continue this, because we did it in the past. Well, bad news, we're trying to right the wrongs of the past. 2. Turkey has no place in EU. Bad news again: So what? If we'll be the place anyone would desire to live, I don't care. We are gradually coming to that point. Not tomorrow, but will be, eventually. 3. Turkey is shifting to Iran, Lebanon, Syria. Wrong. Turkey isn't shifting to them. They are shifting to Turkey, if you can see what's going on. 4. And bottom line: Only your friends tell you that you are wrong on something. Your enemies, as they want your demise just tell you to go on and destroy yourself. Guys come to yourselves. War times are over, Peace is in. Period. Learn to live together with your neighbors & find a way to "shift them to your side" It was a friendly advice.

Yes,there was a time when Israel had a friend in the ME up to the time when Islamist took over.

Enough apologizing to the Turks Move on. They're not worth it.

We can't deny the fact that he received 40 per cent of the votes but still the majority of Turks don't even like him. He's being criticized by being over-sensitive on the Palestine issue due to his pious character by many (why not Darfur?) and Israel is still considered to be an ally. However, Israelis should not forget that violent state policies are creating a very bad image of Israel around the world.

For a Londoner, your English is impeccable Old Chap.

I think Peres is great and very smart leader. Israelis should pray to God for having a leader like him.

Turkey doesnt like another country,, in the future Turkey will be the strongest country in the mid. east,,Turkey dont need EU and Israel anymore,, but Israel will be need to Turkey because Israel are alone in the middle east. Turkey has no joke in international diplomacy. dont do anything stupid like that. you can try if you dont believe. you too EU.

' the "mistake of one man, not of the state." ' On the contrary -- this 'mistake' was carried out on the orders of the foreign minister. The prime minister then endorsed it -- after learning of the details. Short of it all being the result of a bill introduced into the Knesset and passed after debate, it's hard to think of a more official action. The truth -- as so often -- is the reverse of what Peres said it was. It was a mistake of the state, not of one man.

Mr. Peres is of the old generation. For many decades Israel sought to achieve and improve diplomatic relations with as many nations as it could. That was when the founding generation ran things. Mr. Peres is being diplomatic. But then he is of that generation, not the current one which takes delight in alienating the world.

Where the hell , these people learn about diplomacies? How many more like them to surface up? after them TWO who were on parade.?

If Humiliating friends is the norm at the Foreign Ministry, then how would the enemies be treated by Messrs of Ayalon and Leiberman. And YOU ALL surprise that Turkey is getting Closer to IRAN, I can see WHY . Soon it will more countries, that were once friends of Israel, going to join the opposite camp, even the USA is FED UP and slowly moving away fron Israel stubborn behaviour. Please Mr Netanyahu,while U R still strong,do make good friends with your immediate neighbors, before your neibour Palestinans making friends with the Iranians., if they do(as HIZBALLAH & HAMAS) it will be your faults , not theirs.They too will soon get fed up,and this is why they are presently seeking HELPS at the UN to declare their UNILATERAL INDEPENDENCE, which is by the way their LEGAL RIGHTS, if they do not have Partner for Genuine NEGOCIATIONS.

Israel's Apology Accepted by Turkey The furor over the unfortunate Ayalon incident caused furor not only in Turkey and Israel, but indeed, much of the world. For if this amateurish insult were allowed by Israel to stand, then the world of diplomacy would be devastated with perpetual bouts of retaliations, perhaps quickly degenerating into a cycle of insults even violence. A proper apology from Israel, therefore, for the amateurish, on incident, the deliberate, and insulting behavior of Deputy FM Ayalon, was badly needed. This apology was timely re-issued by Israel, after Ayalon’s poor first attempt which Turkey promptly rejected as insufficient, and it was equally timely welcomed by Turkey’s leaders. The crisis seems defused, for now, but any renewed bloodshed in Gaza by Israeli jets will, it appears, cause flaring of the Israel-Turkey dispute. Perhaps Israel should listen to those voices of reason in Israel, and elsewhere, that call for dialog and compromise in place of diatribe and carnage.

She could have had it but turned it down to put party over country. You need 61 seats to form a government and without kadima you needed lieberman. If mofaz had been in charge of kadima there would have been no lieberman as FM. Oh yeah lieberman is the real problem. Israel was never more unpopular than under livni who say there was no crisis in gaza and said she likes it when army is wild. Livni as FM was a disgrace. You leftists that love livni? How exactly could she form a government with 61 seats without lieberman. Was your answer to leave olmert as PM and have him indicted as PM with no government being able to be formed. Livni purposefully said she didn't take the FM job because she knew it would hurt bibi and then livni would reap the political rewards the next election.

"Ayalon respects the MKs who apologized, but where were they over the past two years of anti-Semitic broadcasts in the Turkish media and unbridled criticism of Israel from Ankara," one official told Israel Radio. "After two years in which Turkey has failed to get the diplomatic message, we had to start making a noise," a member of Ayalon's staff said. Something had to be done !

#283: Palestinians and others have tried to destroy Jews since 4,000 years. Go dream.

More to come, please world communities this is the new face of Diplomacy, do not upset yourself, this OUR style. We just cannot help it.

"Peres: Ayalon`s treatment of Turkey envoy his mistake, not Israel`s (Army Radio)" ... no indeed, it was not the envoy's mistake, nor Israel's mistake, it was the mistake of the FM, implemented by one of his lackeys...

Peres is naive and dumb. No one should accept this hatred and abuse from Turkey.

So Ayalon and co. speak Hebrew while meeting a TURKISH ambassador, refuse to shake hands and deliberately not placing a TURKISH flag on the table. This is really childish behaviour at a HIGHER ECHELON.They certainly needs to go back to some good schools " why THE WORLD HATE US N O W. Do not count on Bibi to do anything because he after all who did approve this Democratic Diplomatic comportment vis a vis Diplomats. question is is He worth to carry on as PM?

Just another Dog and Pony show

when Erdogan publicly called him a killer in Davos? I don't defend the imbeciles Lieberman & Ayalon, but let's put things into perspective & stop the orgy of self-flagellation - it only make things worse.

Hope that Pm Netanyahu will get some professionals next time,thus giving Israel a good image.

Since A.L got the job in the FM, we have had nothing but agro from many countries. Does BB is looking to bankrupt the F Ministry.?

When the PM appoints the most borish, unqualified thug as foreign minister it's safe to assume he is comfortable with the likes of Lieberman as the face of Israeli diplomacy. I for one am totally disgusted by all of them and say that they do not represent me as a Jew or an Israeli.

In Israel there is no serious opposition to the Netanyahu/Lieberman government when it comes to expanding settlements, assimilating conquered territory and giving occasional military thrashings to Palestinians. Peres should know this; he's part of it. Silence would have been better than a blatant lie.

YOu county have done nothing but killing and insaltin other and you wounder why Europe doing there best to keep your peoeple in Middleast.

The crude and disrespectful treatment of the Turkish ambassador reflects the views of the government of Israel. (Did anyone in the government condemn it?) And the government of Israel at this time reflects the views of the majority of Israeli Jews: disrespect, hostility and war. Israel had many effective routes available to protest the antisemitic line coming from Turkey, but it opted for ordinary nastiness.

Everything is allright then, I guess. With a faith like that Israelis can behave as crappily as they want, it doesn't matter anyhow. Explains a lot.

Is everybody in Israeli government insane?

When will Israel get politicans that do not shoot themselves in their own foot!

please get informed before speaking. You are changing things

After the undiplomatic behaviour of Deputy Foreign Minister Daniel Ayalon towards the Turkish ambassador in Israel, it would be in the best interests to fire Ayalon. He is a disgrace to Israel! A man in his position should show more integrity than what he has shown.

Respect is not given, it must be earned.

This little spat over a chair is a sideshow--the real show is Erdogan doing his best to ally Turkey with the most extreme elements of the Moslem world, and the best way to do that is to spare no opportunity to publicly criticize Israel while holding his peace about Islamic terrorism. Guess he figures his EU prospects are totally shot. Unfortunately for him and for Turkey it will only marginalize them even more and they'll slowly slink backwards like all their new friends into pre-civilization.

What is this dangerous and childish behaviour?

the sheer arrogance and hubris of israel will definitely lead to its dramatic downfall. its just a matter of time and the world watches and waits. israel is an apartheid state based on racism and brute force, however justice for the palestinian people will of course prevail.

Which soverign country will tolerate the contineous insults & anti-semitic remarks coming from the PM of Turkey. Where is that apology from them? Who the hell does the PM pf Turkey think he is? Have anyone read the discussions with Harrari of Lebanon, President of Iran, the television transcript. etc, etc.? I dont see anyone asking for an apology from the PM of Turkey who shoots his mouth whenever he is with a muslim head of state.

It is written in our bible that the whole world will be against us and they will also conquer Israel including Jerusalem for a while,and the messiah will come to liberate his people the JEWS

og deputy FM and as such is the official representative of the Israeli goverement as well as the people. This was an official invitation to the foreign ministry not to Ayalon's living room. If you want to hide behind this argument Mr. Peres, fire him but as long as he is employed at this capacity he represents all of us. Kapish Mr. president?

Without Lieberman's 15 seats there is no government. Bibi offered Livni the foreign minister job and peace process and she turned it down. Livni put herself above country and wanted bibi to be stuck with lieberman and then livni could win the next election. If Mofaz had won kadima would have been part of coalition and no lieberman as foreign minister. If Mofaz somehow wins again he will join the coalition and lieberman wouldn't be foreign minister. If Lieberman is indicted you will see a new foreign minister who will pick his own replacement. But the only other alternative would've been Bibi not accepting lieberman and not being able to form a government. With that Olmert would've stayed as PM and been indicted as PM. Would that have been better Olmert staying as PM for another 6 months and another election which would have solved nothing because most likely bibi still would have needed kadima or lieberman to get to 61 seats to form a government. bibi forced apology.

Israel s diplomacy apologized.

Why Turkey dont give back Cyprus,Istanbul,and others to their real owners GREECE. Let the Turkish go where they came from.

If a janitor in the foreign ministry building did such a poor job, he would be fired. Why is Israel so full of people who refuse to fire incompetent people?

... to say up is down, black white, lies truth: "In his own official letter of apology issued Wednesday evening, Ayalon wrote: "I had no intention to humiliate you personally and apologize for the way the demarche was handled and perceived."

Israel appointed Lieberman as foreign minister. Lieberman is still foreign minister. This reflects Israels diplomacy, Peres doubletalk notwithstanding.

"I prefer jews not arabs as my friends. I dont care what exactly goes on in Gaza.. its arabs to think, not us Turks". You sound like a really nice guy, Nuri. Still, a wee touch of racism there, perhaps? And yes, why worry about children killed in Gaza when you live in safety in Istanbul? "What, me worry"??

Why?? Well arranged by Netanyahu anyway! This one minute thing,Iran,Syria etc. Israel took one in Davos ,give one in Ayalons high chair...and now....hey...Turkey...we know ...you are decent people......cut the cake and we start new! Messages from a second,third,fourth man....authorised....by Netanyahu! I dont know Arabs but what i know is that peace with Libanese and Palestininas is possible....and...rabin and 300.000 israelis...on that sad day THINK!!!! the same. I hope Erdogan will lose elections 2011.....10 years is enough! BUT....although i can understand that you don t want to give many sacrifices in a street guerilla war in Gaza...so you do it by AIR FORCE...i am with the civilists in Gaza.....and you have to stand that opinion of UNITED NATIONS! Shalom! I like Israelis for their 3000 history,intelligence and humour......and i live in Germany....since Jews are away....the humour went with them! Thanx for apologizing....becos i don t want to cut ties with TelAviv....but

'Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman on Wednesday said Israel doesn't want a confrontation with Turkey, but that it WON"T TOLERATE anti-Semitic remarks and incitement against Jews.' WON"T TOLERATE???? Do Israeli arrogance and self-delusion really run to thinking they can behave like an important superpower, warning the major nations of the world what Israel will and will not accept? Get a life! It is a very small nation of just 7 million people stuck in a desert backwater. Its actions, including occupying Palestine, oppressing its people, illegally settling there, committing war crimes in Gaza, bombing its neighbours and so on have already made it an international pariah state. The mounting and increasingly angry criticism it is getting from all sides, including Turkey, is entirely justified. Lieberman shows that he has learned nothing from the Ayalon fiasco. He still thinks that little Israel and he can lecture and threaten the world. He is a total fool and a walking disaster as FM

"Pay attention that he is sitting in a lower chair ... that there is only an Israeli flag on the table and that we are not smiling" Ayalon and Lieberman maintain they had no intention to humiliate the Turkish diplomat personally. So either the chairs, flags and lack of smiles were accidental? Or the intent was to humiliate Turkey as a whole. "it is not my way to insult" Actions speak louder than words in this instance. Some Israeli diplomats obviously need training in basic diplomacy if they did not think that these accidental-non-intentional actions would not be insulting. "Netanyahu was not aware of the way the reprimand would be carried out, "but the minute it happened the prime minister [gave] the foreign minister (Lieberman) his full backing. So Netanyahu supported the accidental-unintentional insult the minute it happened. Add him to the training course list. The meeting was televised and conducted only in Hebrew? Obviously that was unintentional too!

Luckily you have Peres.He is the only that is loved and respected in Turkey now.It is good for you to have a few wise politicians like him.

Turkey seems to have over-reacted; it is surely naïve to expect an Israeli Foreign Minister to know how to behave.

Shimon Peres has displayed great political skills to avoid a chatastrophy since Turkey and Jews have deep rooted and impeccable relations. We have no issue with jews, our main issue is our prime minister and islamists governing our country. I prefer jews not arabs as my friends. I dont care what exactly goes on in Gaza.. its arabs to think, not us Turks.

You wrote we do not have to kill: I agree from the bopttom of my heart. Please tell your PM to tell his frinds the Hamas that they should not kill Israeli chilren such as Dorit Benisian Yuval Abebeh Israelis do not like to kill or fight.

Sources in the Prime Minister's Bureau said Tuesday the decision to invite the Turkish ambassador for a reprimand by Ayalon was made together with Lieberman. At the Prime Minister's Bureau, they noted that Netanyahu was not aware of the way the reprimand would be carried out, "but the minute it happened the prime minister [gave] the foreign minister his full backing.

to isolate Ayalon within the foreign ministry of Israel.

Ayalon and friends understand that they have shown the worst case of hospitality and they show us that they do not want to cut the ties with Turkey,why?? Becos when you look at it Turkey is not against Israel and every Israeli knows that.Turkey is one of a few states that accepted Israel in the 1940s as a state and why Aylon and friends want to argue with Turkey?? Becos they really think they are bigger and greater,right?? Well shame on you,one minute,you celebrate a worst case of hospitality.And Turkey(and the whole world) do not like what you did to civilists in Gaza,you do what you want anyway but do not expect that others like that. Why did you apologize??? I know why!

you shouldn't forget my make .. because Tuks was open arms all Jews in last years and Turks is respect jews but your do ambassadors meanness our but we are only chafe "him" .! and still we are like you but you are know because nothing it doesn't matter for me !!

Well, well, would turkish media try to send anything connected to the kurdish or armenian questions in a simular context to what was shown in the "Israel-Gaza show" I think that would be the last thing they ever did.

Rushkern, the Australian GOVERNMENT did not attack Indian visitors, some low-life Australians did. Why would that lead to a breakdown in diplomatic relations, it's a matter for the Australian police surely? Others talk about programmes on Turkish tv channels being 'incitement' against Israel. The programmes are not made by the Turkish government, they are made by independent film companies and producers. They are fiction and entertainment. If they are 'incitement' against Israel, then nearly every Western ever made, every war film and a heap of novels and broadcasts are 'incitement' against some nation or other. Live with it. Most democracies do not practice censorship of the media. Israel does, often for political reasons. No democracy is going to change and restrict freedom of speech just because Israel is increasingly being cast as the bad guy in movies, along with N Koreans and Islamist terrorists. That role is a natural international reaction to Israel's unacceptable excesses.

Israel was irked by the criticism coming out of Turkey, and so it decided to humiliate the representative of the Turks. NOBODY can honestly dispute that fact. The Turks decided that they were not interested in turning the other cheek, and so they stood up and demanded an apology. Again, NOBODY can honestly dispute that fact. Q: So, what happened next? A: Israel grovels out an apology. Now, so sorry, but Israel is an arrogant son of a bitch: its natural instinct is to never explain, and to never apologise. That it *did* fold so quickly on this issue tells you all you need to know about how indefensible Israel's actions really were. Face the facts: Israel acted like a spoilt child, and was then given a sharp lesson in humility. Learn. From. It. Fat chance, I suppose, but you never know....

Is time for country to stop tip toe around Israel and stop this maddeness Israel is becoming to arrogant!Is an american Israel discust me!

I am fully in agreement. The only thing that matters to Netanyahu is that it is his name on the Prime Minister's Office door. The welfare of Israel is a secondary consideration, which is why the likes of the nighclub bouncer from Moldovia hold high office in Israel. regardless of the damage that does to Israel either in the short or long term. Netanyahu's name is on that door all that matters.

We as Turks can 't give up our Independency, therefore we (as majority)never ever want to be EU member.. Also as majority we have no problems with Jewish People and anybody on earth.. we saved thousands of Jewish people in the 16th century who were forced to leave from Europe, and also during second world war thousends of Jewish people had been saved and hosted by us.

Dear Mr.Netanyahu, it is high time you fix your government and dismiss unsuitable persons(lieberman,Ayalon and friends) If israels political system allows clowns,bully-boys etc to fill senior positions in government than something is wrong with the system.We,the voters will present you the bill sooner or later. As for now:Clean up the mess at the top of our foreign ministry and remove Martin Schlaff's cronies.IT IS unbearable....

"Lieberman and Ayalon must go. Israel cannot afford to lose one of its only Muslim friends . . ." - Jane The Bar Bouncer will stay Jane because without him the government will fall. Netanyahu has very clear priorities. First comes Bibi, then his cronies, followed by those politicians he needs to stay in power. Way down at the bottom of the list is the welfare of Israel. If the price of power is damaging Israel, Netanyahu is happy to pay that price.

Israel was the first to arrive in Haiti with a mobile hospital. This was mentioned by Aljezeera. Israel knows when to respond very quickly.

What a shame for the Israeli public. Do they really deserve such diplomats and politicians who constantly apology after not behaving ethically and diplomatically? Is this a foreign policy or a foreign habit?

what happened with peres was not a purposely stated incident. what ayalon did WAS! meanwhile cipora, criticism is criticism. if israel doesn't like it; it needs to change its ways. that simple. he's not the only state leader who's criticizing israel. he's just a little more blunt about it... but NOTHING compares to the staged(for camera and israeli consumption), public humiliation of celikkol that that peon lieberman and his punk ayalon pulled "with malice aforethought". as for "libel"? that's a matter of perspective; don't you think? and besides, israel has yet to provide anything tangible to refute what he's said. crying "libel" and getting in a huff doesn't hack it. love you too, cipora. i hope you have a wonderful day.

An old man told me once that the Creator made man, man made religion and religion made war.

...by a slap in the face from an unexpected source. who would have guessed?! I guess the balance of power in the region is changing against Israel's favour.

Before Istambul living in Istambul, and Turkey there was ISrael During Istambul living in Istambul, and Turkey there is Israel. After Istambul living in Istambul, and Turkey there will be Israel. Israel IS REAL!

And his Facebook account should be closed - professional diplomats should not be communicating via social networks. Israel's Foreign Service deserves better.

I have not yet read about you firing liberman and his staff. WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

While Axel Springer certainly was a powerful friend of Israel, a fact that is evident in the many honors he received from the nation and from Jewish organisations, he himself wasn't a Jew. But his first wife was of Jewish ancestry (they divorced in 1938), so there's a very limited connection. However, he died in 1985, and so the whole point about the alleged irony is totally baseless.

Israel dont lost the Turkey.Turkey will be leader new centurys.Turkey is a peacer country.EU-Unıted States-Israel-Russia will be use Turkey's modernizm and force.

erdogan very publicly humiliated president peres, a much respected elder statesman, and through him all of israel. furthermore, erdogan and his islamist cronies have been libeling israel. nor should anyone have the slightest doubt about the very poor human rights record in turkey.

Ayalon has to step down after this bad performance. His ans Liebermanns "wild west" manners especially towards a muslim will increase tensions with turkey which is the only ally which has israel in the moslem world.

This is very childish action on Israel's part! Turkey has a right to criticize "Cast Lead" attack on the Palestinians as "over the top" and cruel.

... both politically and socially... "Deputy FM`s aides slams MKs` apology to Turkey after `years of defamation` (Haaretz)" ... nu, what is to be expected of these numerous 'aides' who are all beholden to Yvet...

Thank God that Israeli Deputy FM had some sense knocked into h is head, but it's too late to fix the damage. The Turks will remember the incident, and forget the apology. A simple word of advice--INVITE THE AMBASSADOR FOR A PRIVATE DINNER OR LUNCH, AND TALK ABOUT ANYTHING BUT THE INCIDENT!

For all you know the this TV show is closer to the truth than not. Or weren't you paying attention to the reports of right wing Rabbis being allowed to distribute pamphlets and talk to troops, urging them to spare no one, man woman or child, prior to the invasion of Gaza?

But how do you explain that Israel is already there--without an earthquake?

he has criticized israel. there's a big difference between criticism and PUBLIC humiliation!

on which the Valley of Wolves en scene :) what an irony :) The channel is belongs to Aydin DOgan and his big shareholder is Jewish -Axel Spinger in Germany

The last accident showed clearly how arrogant and rude are the members of israeli adminstration. It was really low- level set up, done by someone who is supposed to be high rank official. But , finally things ended up by humilating israel submission to the Turkish ultimatum. So, maybe it is time to israel to behave as civil countries by not being rude and if it is too strong impulse to control, to apologize. It is shamefull.

the power balances are changing in the world. Now it is time for peaceful diplomacy. I think that if Israel start to behave more diplomatic and listen what others demand, Turkey-Israel relations will be better than past. Tayyip Erdogan is the first muslim prime minister who says anti-semitism is a humanity guilty. so my jewish friends, we have to love each other. We have to listen each other. We dont have to kill. Then everything is gonna be alright.

hello frends, sometimes brothers can struggle but this not change their brotherhood. I have many good friends in your country and keep same as before. Lets forget this and look future. warmest regards from Turkey

Turks did great job,they are trying to bring peace to Mid east but nobody understands what is Israel trying to do.I think Israel lost his power in mid,east and Turkey is getting powerful.

Turks called IDF baby snatchers. We protested.Then they make us apologize, not once, but twice.I call this Turkish revenge of highest quality.Cave in jew,and the islamists will do you much worse.I feel enraged as a jewish person with dignity

The AKP is the entire source of the problem. It needs to be removed but, this time, NOT by the army. Other ways are available...

Israel people, it is clear to see that your country does not want to face with Turkey in many area like diplomatic, economic and militaric. because israel earn lots of money from Turkey in many area. and most of country can know that if other countries make Turkish Government furious there bad situations may occur. Forexamle in Davos Turkish Government show how they show reaction against to bad situations. so apologize from Turkey is the best way for israel.

Yes it is satisfactory for now, but wait and see when turks cancel military contracts with us. then what?? who are we going to sell our military equipment.

all over the Muslim world. Turkey stood up to Israel. Israel backed down. Israel's image is shattered irreparably. In the Arab world, Erdogan is gaining respect and admiration and Arab leaders are losing it (as if they were ever respected by their people). Turkey is the de facto regional power in the Middle East. Israel is down sized in spite of all its military prowess. Long live Erdogan Long live Turkey

Ottoman Empire was not a triumph, but beginning of decline of Islamic science, culture and social life. Please read the book by Bernard Lewis "What went wrong?". Nothing to be proud of...As to your threats towards Israel: we shall see what we shall see. Don't count your chicken before they hatched :) And good luck in your joining the EU :)

They were not up in arms when Turkish PM incited against Israel, accused Israel of baseless genocide, made up a fictious story about the 3 poor Pals that were killed (Islamic Jihad Kassam team), called Israel threat to world peace and humiliated Peres in Davos. All in front of the world! So you thought that kind of Diplomacy was acceptable and `mature`? Well, you cant have it both ways. You dont change your `criteria` (as if you have any except for being anti-Israel) based on the side you take dudes. I must then conlclude that what we did to the Turkish embassador is diplomacy par exellence. Diplomats, go back to your old Armchair terrorists role.

If Peres is better than Lieberman, why he was insulted by Erdogan in Davos about 1 year ago? Has Erdogan apologized for such disrespectful behavior towards a well known statesman and much older man? Is it the norm of behavior in Turkey?

... will we finally understand what the Lieberman stance is doing to us?... ... instead of being super-proud and arrogant, we have to act contrite... even to grovel...

The FM, international public face of Israel, is a settler and a thug. What does this tell us about Netanyahu? This is a government built on the wrong principles of occupation, settlements, and we all know that aggression, however disguised as "security", will never prevail. To add insult to injury, Bibi and Lieberman lie about their true intentions for peace. Finally, when the time comes for peace, the Palestinians better be ready. Security for Israel, and any other land, is a right and Palestinians have no right to threaten Israel in peace and after statehood. But this begs the question why would the Palestinians threaten Israel when they already have a nation? I say they would not

Aside from being funny, childish and stupid, some may think that, this can be a cover for some else purpose. Like putting dynamite in the roots of relations of both countries. Turkey may benefit from Israel, about several things, like intelligence, technology or whatever. But it is not critical like Israel would need from Turkey who is only possible, probable, muslim populated ally, even if Israelis think it is so called. Israel is in a region where there are 1 billion+ people are ready to wipe them off the earth if circumstances are plausible and/or requisite for their safety and peace... Like Israel's possible use of mass destruction weapons like including nuclear material in the region. Which will absolutely raise unforgivable and exploading anger in the Middle East. There is a saying I've once heard of, if every muslim pours one bucket of water, Israelis would be wiped out by floods. I don't welcome killing of innocence. It's just that this is suicide for Israel indeed

It is not a reaction!!!

Beans keep spilling. From the stories what I got: Aydin Dogan, with a Jewish German media partner, owns a television, which doesn't belong to state. Then on a show here, that thing, which pisses off Israelis, happens. Then Israeli government calls up the ambassador. Someone who shouldn't suffer any kind of bad treatment, even under war conditions... Ambassador of a country who is supposed to be an ally, and only ally of Israel in the region. Even if it is a so called ally. Then they prefer humiliating him, but by not having guts to do so in English, it is done in Hebrew, but if you wish to hide it, then why do you let journalists know about what you say, what you mean by your behaviours? Then you apologise... By the way, Celikkol has stated that, if that was done in English, he would have left the place. I guess he couldn't have thought such a funny act could have happened there, by Israelis, whose situation is the most critical in the region. So childish, so stupid.

This was one brainless stunt. You have the worst foreign ministry in the world. It is the job of the FM to make nice to other countries. In your case everyone hates your FM. Better replace him asap. Replace him with Bar Rafaeli. THAT would make you some friends in the world community.

and you and your boss can go take a hike

(And can you please tell me why your Prime Minister Erdogan should not apologize to Israeli President Peres when he insuted him in Devos in fron of world cameras before bursting out of the stage?) Before you post you should learn the facts. 1- PM Erdogan did not initiate the arguement. 2- Perese was the one who provoked PM Erdogan by raising his voice back at the PM and directing false accusations towards the Turks. 3- Perse noted his mistakes and apologized to PM Erdogan. I suggest you go to youtube.com and watch the whole episode and get your facts straight... 3- PM Erdogan

We in the US could learn from this. How to handle Israel. Firmness...children appreciate and respect it.

Please don't use us, Armenians, in your filthy politics; just like you know Holocaust happened we know our history. Recognize it or not, help Turks in US congress or not, just don't use our name or pain for God's sake.

...should be removed from his position. Too bad an error for a "diplomat".

A whole nation was put down to its knees asking for forgiveness due to the actions of one man... Need to say more???

Ayalon had his reasons. I know. Beleive me !

Should not Ayalon now apologise to the entire people of Israel - for humiliating us? For making re-enforcing the universal image of Israel as a muscle-bound bully? Of course, in any cultured country, Ayalon (and possibly his Minister) would be dismissed.

turks rule the world over 1000 years israile big mistaken having a problem with turks cause turks they dont forget this ever and also turks doesnt look like araps either they fight to get a victory look at the history

As it says in Isaiah, "Babes shall rule over them."

If Israel wants to make a television show about the Armenian Genocide, please, you would be doing the world a great service to educate more people about this atrocity. A television show that depicts Israelis shooting elderly people and assaulting children... you don't say? I have never watched this show, but I have lived in the West Bank for a few months, and if this is all this show depicts, Israel should consider itself lucky. I wonder if the television show also shows F-16s carpet bombing civilian neighbourhoods, and dropping cluster bombs and white phosphorous over Mosqs and UN Schools? It's funny that people defend Israel in this instance by threatening that she should make Television shows about the Armenian Genocide... I guess there's a moral equivalency to the Armenian Genocide and Israel's 41 year illegal occupation of the West Bank and Gaza? Thanks for pointing that out!

As an Israeli I am ashamed and embarrassed that an idiot like Ayalon can rise to the position of deputy foreign minister where his stupidity can damage Israel's foreign relations. Unbelievable!

We all must be calm.

Israel was wrong about the way they went thru the hidious way and of the childish display of ringing turkish's betrayal of erdogans islamic extremist leanings, understandable if you are a fair believing person... now who will keep talking against the other will be the one who is in fact the traitor of the so called friendship. hopefully the Turks and the Israeli citizens will see who is the provocateur and backstabbing friend, and put pressure on the one said person as a community to oust said provocateur,then call it a night and live on... 2 wrongs don't make a right.

I think Turks and Israelis have many thing in common. especially corrupt and non intelligent circus animals(monkeys and cats pretending to be lions) that calls themselfs politicians and diplomats. Turkiye and Israel should get rid of them together in the next elections. but they have an other common thing. no better choice of politicians that sticks to the chair and who wont let it go. my point of view Israel shouldt tolerate any agression(verbally and other) against it by turkey and must act in diplomatic ways. cuz if they dont even if they re right like in this case they become guilty and their guilt becomes more shameful than the others guilt. Turkiye if they want Israel as friends they should act in diplomatic ways too(not like in davos insulting the President of the state or exagerating critics(like 2 days before in lebanon by Erdogan) if not relations seems to be impossible not good for both sides i assure u!

Ayalon who stupid gay learnd his lesson. He apologised from big Country and great people (TURKS). God bless Turks and TURKEY

diplomacy needs to be learnt. the usage of language, syntax, grammer, irony or synicism must be studied properly in special courses and classes. one doesn't speak to a co-diplomat the way he would speak to a neighbour upstairs. and remember: you are a tiny country, not really positioned in the centre of the globe. so, please, use your language precisely and with the appropriate modesty. go to school again.

We have many nationalist people who hate israel, i think israel also have that kind of people who hate turkey. For me, arab or jewish or iranian doesnt matter. We should learn to live peacefully together in this region. All world watch middle east, iraq bombs, israel and palestinian conflict . There are good people everywhere, in israel, in iran, in turkey too. We need PEACE. We need EACH OTHER.

I would have thought the arms deal that Turkey has signed with Israel would have been a stronger cement of ties than sending a few gallons of water. I think the reason Israel has backed down and issued the apology is that Washington refused to intercede on Israel's behalf and there was a real threat of Turkey recalling their ambassador. Something that Israel could not afford to happen under any circumstances. Why else has there been a 180 degree by Israel on this day?

danny is an arrogant bore who lives on diplomatic immunity w/o ever being a diplomat except in name

Do not cut ties with Turkey ,because it is your gate to the Arab World .What had happened had happened .

USA is doing very important work with Turkey in all of the southern ex-soviet muslim nations and is not about to give that up for the jews in the ME or brooklynn heights...you need to get over yourselves

And can you please tell me why your Prime Minister Erdogan should not apologize to Israeli President Peres when he insuted him in Devos in fron of world cameras before bursting out of the stage?

It's pretend, and the programe where Hindus were seen to be attacking Muslims showed there were moderates on both sides who wanted peace. I just think that as the Foreign Ministry of Israel has taken upon itself to censor other country's televicual experiences then Lieberman needs to treat everyone equally and summon the British Ambassador over this particular programme. Which I thought was a good portrayal of how Mossad operates with total disregard for the law in the country of which it is operating. We all know about the botched assassination plot against Meshal in Jordan, and how Israel had to release that cleric in a wheelchair or see the King of Jordan tearing up the peace treaty.

Now we (turkish people and Erdogan) learned our lessons. As a Turk I will never hate Israel again or else ayalon can humiliate our embassador in ISRAEL!!!! Is there any possibility that i would think that way??? I actually do not care what Israel think about us, Israel can turn his back to Turkey, from now that would make me happier. Israel should now go after Armenian and Kurds because they are only friends of Israel in the middle east..

Israel is correct and Turkey is wrong. The protest of the IDF being portrayed as baby killers in the Turkish media was pretty nasty and deserved criticism. However, the FM and his assistants need to operate in the real world, and this affair suggests that they don't know what they're doing. Just how did they think a Turkish government edging toward Islamic fundamentalism would react? What were they hoping to accomplish? A lot of elegent diplomacy went into the founding of Israel, but we seem to have gone from Chaim Weizman to Laurel and Hardy. Is Lieberman saying to Ayalon, "That's another fine mess you've gotten me into?"

You've got it all wrong! Israelis are not cowards and are not scared to let the Turkish PM who has been making disgusting, unfair, and hate mongering accusations against Israel for the longest time now. The reason Israel agreed to make the second apology is to accomodate the US, as Obama who would find himself in a major problematic situation if relations between Israel and Turkey broke down, given that both countries are allies of the US. There must have been huge oressure applied to Israel by the Obama administration so that Israel makes a second apology. It is as simple as that.

Who killed Deniz Gezmis, Mahir Cayan? They were university students not happy with the state in the 1960ies like all other student movements in European countries. And how about Adnan Menderes, Fatin Rustu Zorlu and Hasan polatkan?PM and ministers tried in a kangaroo trial and hang. How many innocent people disappears in Turkey during the early 1980 ies after the military coup? Do I need to remind you teh mass graves recently found in north Cyprus of Cypriot civilians and POWs killed by TSK?

After all those years of mistreating, humiliating and snubing your noses at the defenseless Palestinian population, your ego has apparently grown faster than the amount of land you have been usurping. What fools to think you are big enough to go around acting arrogant in front of the world when you are propped up by the U.S

"We need to see more politician like Mr. Liebermann on the power. "turkey" is not in a position to tell us what to do" Jason Well, why Israel should tell Turkey what kind of movies they should produce? Peter

What does this man Ayalon think he is? What do israeli people like Ayalon think they are? Germans from nazi era? I remember last year when the daughter of the brazilian ambassador to Israel was offended and interdicted in a israeli airport by local policemen who thought she was a palestinian girl. It must to stop! Israel is not a ruling country in the world, a superpower, an overdeveloped environment with no need to respect external poit of views. Its a small imperialistic exclave produced by british and american authorities about 60 years ago, which may face a military escalation at any time in the near future. Israeli politician should be more respectful to foreign authorities and foreign peoples!!

I'm getting tired of this. Tired of Erdogan's contempt of the Turkish army, and sick of his lack of respect for the Turkish Republic and Pan-Turkism. I want Israel to recognize the Turkish Republic of North Cypress, which no lame arab nation has done, and then we will see why Israel was Turkey's best friend, and the AK party its worse enemy.

So what was intended - the show of self perceived Zionist arrogant superiority? "... the moment it happened the prime minister [gave] the foreign minister his full backing." My impression of the Turkish ambassador, Celikkol, (Australian TV World News) was of a humble, relaxed foreign dignitary, who took the display of Zionist arrogance in good stride.

It's actions like this, and a host of many other recent events - as well as the general mindset and backwards mentality of the current Israeli leadership... that is causing Jews abroad like me and many others I know to NOT want to support Israel anymore. It's a shame that will all our history, we Jews still haven't learned about the importance of humility and respect. We've had enough lessons that should've taught us this, but as a single example of the "Jewish" people - Israel is throwing mud at our face. My father has stopped his yearly donations to the IDF, and what little support I used to be able to provide, I will not give until I see a new government in charge. I will not support the Hot-Heads currently running Israel, and reading about such petty behaviors at the diplomatic level, I'm not sure Israel will ever win my sympathies again. Turkey is the best Muslim friend Israel has in the region, and this is how Israel treats it's friends.

This water deal was just a way to enhance the relationship. In reality Israel does not need that water that badly. The deal did not work because Turkey wanted a very high price. Israel is the country that perfected water desalination. The lack of free press in Turkey is another matter and it was in response to other posts that brought the subject up. Therefore us it in its proper context. And BTW every word that I wrote on that subject are facts that can be easily verified.

Just wait until the next earthquake.

but enemies accumulate." I love that quote. Every time Israel does another stupid thing, it pops into my head once again. When are Israelis going to figure out that they can not pick fights with the whole world and expect to exist in a few more years. Trash Turkey. Trash the US President. Terribly mistreat Gazans. Take more land for settlements. Every day Israel drives away the few friends it has and creates more enemies. Eventually Israel will have nothing but enemies or those that do not care what Israeli's enemies do. What is Israel gong to do when there is only ONE country out of the 192 on earth that doesn't want Israel gone? Israelis may feel all righteous about what is being done in their name, but in the end, it will cause the destruction of Israel. Israel does not have too many friends left to lose before it will have ZERO. Then what?

"I dont understand why our ambassador was sitting like a student in front of Ayalon...... he was smiling like a girl....:)))).... very interesting man.." Volkan Maybe the repremend was in Hebrew and he did not understend what was all about until the translation?

Israeli society suffers from believing that they are special when, in fact, it is just a small country who depends upon the U.S. to survive. If Israelis believe they can do it on their own, stop being phony, and start doing it on their own. They think they're a big shot country. They are not! They are mostly beggars, and as such much of the world has contempt for them. It's a shame they so idiotic in their behavoir.

And you my dear muchos were responsible for an Armenian genocide. I suggest we do not get into name-calling!

Really Where is Israel running? More than 60-70 years what did they gain in their `hostile` region and up to when they can continue like this. Turkey may be their best ally but i guess semi- warlord, semi-politicians doesnt want so. real friend talks harsh but says the truth

so stop being hypocrites. diplomacy(or the lack of it) work both ways. the best thing for turky/arduan is to mind its oun business. than it would be mutual. and yes,it was tasteless and stupid.and we do have to apologize.

Chris I have seen the episode of Spooks that you are talking about and I think you are right. I found it very sad that the BBC felt the need to make up such an improbable story just to show 'impartiality' in its reporting. I felt the same with another recent episode showing Hindu extremists attacking Muslims. I think programs like this to incite hatred and should have been rebuked by the Israeli government as well.

So what were they thinking? Ayalon should do the honorable thing and resign. It made Israel look like a second rate country.

Israel come to senses. Such an educated people governed by a bunch of studids. First: give respect to Gazzeans. Let them live as humans. Second: dont get offended immediately when criticized. Getting angry with Turks when a film shows bad Israelis is like Germans getting upset with US because of someone in hollywood shot the Shindlers list. Lastly,remember Turks have always friends with and protected Jews.

The behavior of foreign minister is wrong. But what is serio comic is that a TV series may determine the relationship between two country. I don't think this weirdie effect the relationship between Turkey and Israel. And about the subject of the TV series. That is a real incident. Police arrested members of an organ mafia in Istanbul a few years ago. And at the end it is understood that they sell organs mostly to Israel and beside the other countries. And ringleader was also israelite. About freedom of press and freedom of speech claims in Turkey. I think there is freedom of press, freedom of speech and freedom of belief in Turkey.

Lieberman has once again shown that he is incompetent heading up Israel's foreign affairs. He and his team, knowing the sensitivity of Turkey-Israel relations completely botched this entire episode. Lieberman and Ayalon must go. Israel cannot afford to lose one of its only Muslim friends and the only Muslim friend practicing democracy. I am appalled as a Jew and as an Israeli.

(2)Iran will eventually become a nuclear power and Israel will sit on its blisters whilst its power and influence will shrink continuously even in the U.States. And than? No future Turkish government, not even a military one will dare to have the cosiness d'ante with Israel anymore.A small state like Israel may feel very very lonely in the ME indeed, and more so if its last resort ally is more than 20.000 kilometers away... When President Chirac warned the Americans before they invaded Iraq, they changed the name of their french fries to freedom fries. I am sure level minded americans now regret they didn't take the french President's advise seriously. Level minded Israelis might think the same about Erdogan sooner than they could have nightmares about it.

How can a country of such intelligent people find these idiots to put in diplomatic positions. If Israel was to follow this example with all countries media that shows anti Israel or anti-semitic programmes they would not have many ambassadors in the country, here in the UK BBC and Channel 4 would cause there recall on a weekly basis. Bibi and Co grow up and put Israel before your own political life.

What does Lieberman mean that Israel will not 'tolerate' anti-semitism? Does that mean that if someone goes on TV in the USA with an anti-semitic screed, the Deputy Foreign Minister will call the American ambassador into his office. This is a childish display worthy of Quadaffi's Libya, not the first-world democracy Israel aspires to.

Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!

... as full and they will have to work on.But, the reaction of the Foreign Office as well as the commentaries in the Israeli newspapers to the TV programme showed how vulnerable Israel is towards any sort of criticism: real or imagined. One thing you should not show your oppenents is what makes you blink! And unfortunately, Israel blinked whilst everybody was watching. If had top dollar to invest in the turkish film industry, I would look for the producer with the best anti-israeli script: because not only it will make big money in Turkey but also within all of the muslim world too.Surely this will not add to the israeli popularity in Turkey when it most needs it. I never believed Israel and/or the USA would or could attack Iran but the present and surely the future position of Turkey will make it neigh impossible to make it a success...

We are on lowest chair, We don't had our flag on your table near yours, and u apoligize and ... we are still smiling :)

Come on guys accept this that we will be the only boss in the middle east from now on. We will make you say sorry for everything you did in the past too like the war crimes on innocent people.

This is a huge waste of time. the insult was so "grave" that it had to be pointed out for the photographers' benefit. The diplomats need to get a life, it's not as if Ayalon hit him in the face with a pie. Additionally Ayalon and Lieberman should be fired for causing such a stink about nothing. The message could have been delivered without a diplomatic insult. There are enough real problems in the world, let's not generate fake ones.

Ugur, The word you wanted to use was impress upon those individuals. Oppress is what the Turks did to the Armenians in the past and what they do today to the Kurds.

Most of the big movies in the USA are made by Jews and many of them insults us Arabs and Muslims. Why than when one is made about Jews than you see what happen, a special race?

Armenia, Kapish. Your country and your forefathers massacred hundred of thousand Armenians, thousands and thousands of babies. I call this mass murder perpetrated by you Turks

i really wonder how can israel gain anything by alienating the only country in ME which has respect to israel and historically the only country which have sympathy to jews beginning from medieval times (ottoman rescue of the sephardic jews from spain in late 15th century and turkish transportation of jews to israel in WW2 are just 2 examples). the valley of the wolwes which caused this childish diplomatic scandal was aired in a private channel neither state sponsored nor has anything with turkish government... now Liebermann&Ayalon&Netanyahu can celebrate the founding of Turkish-Iranian alliance

Dear friends, turks and jews have been brothers and close for many centuries. people, governments change but states remain. the current israeli cabinet should review their insolent and aggresive stand towards the turks and their diplomacy in general with EU and US given the problems they encounter with them too. Today, we the turks are the only friends of israel in the region and we get along with the whole middle east. we are ready to stand by our israeli friends howerver.....IT seems to me that israel doesn t take turkey seriously and is very careless. negociations between israel and syria came to an end when without warning us the israelis smashed gaza. this is worrying for the future as in Turkey israelis are no longer trusted. Our PM Erdogan s sensitive approach and bursts to israel everytime palestinians are killed maybe exagerated and difficult to tolerate for israelis but they should not forget that they are in war and no one likes excessive force on civilians.

l do not thing that ayalon made this attitude by an accident or to save his countries pride. This was a game to provocate barak s visit to Turkey and some other political expectations. Thanks to ayalon for his monkey game he played maybe from now on Turkish dlplomats will try a bit more hard to learn the local languages of the cauntries they are operating. Mr Erdogan is bussy enough to let Israili politicans to remember or be carefull the munites they act.

The state of Israel has once again chown its lack of civility. This murderous, barbaric country is very quickly losing all support.

Muchos, talk for yourself. I, for one, not like but love Israelis. Yes, I am a "Jew-lover." And, no, I am not Jewish. Do you have a problem with that? Harun, yes, Valley of the Wolves is not watched by all Turks, but still viewed by many and its vile glorification of violence is repulsive. What's more alarming, a lot of people actually believe the conspiracy theories it presents as fact. And if the government wanted to do something about it, it had the power to do so: In 2007, they pulled the show off the air on grounds that it could incite hatred in the society, remember? That show is beyond Turkey-Israel, beyond anything. It poisons the minds of Turkey's youth. Last but not least, thanks to all friends who reciprocated my message with open hearts. Peace be with you.

Because my friend Ayalon spoke in Hebrew so that he couldnt understand.If he had said it in english, our embassedor would have left immideately...

When I look at the Turkish (muslim?) diplomat, I see an honest Jew who is trying to be decent to someone who made a serious misjudgment. The Israeli diplomat, on the other hand, looks like a person who has no real value system other than political interest. I will respect the "Turkish" Judaism for now.

To: Ugur Albayrak Osmangazi University Dept. of Civil Engineering Eskisehir-Turkey I strongly advise you to check your leaders behavior toward Israel, and the president of Israel before you ask for apology. The Israeli government does not represent me in this matter. I for one hope, that Israelis will stop visiting Turkey. A country that is not friendly toward Israel.

This is really working well. It's as big a 'victory' as 'Cast Lead' -- and no one's getting killed. I can't wait for Lieberman's next brainstorm.

i believe that israeli people and managers have inferiority complex. what a baby attitude. everybody has seen how low israel is. do understand israel! nobody likes you without usa. u are baby killer

20:41 Deputy FM Ayalon: In the end, Israel will benefit from crisis with Turkey (Israel Radio) of course, zionist companies always benefit from crisis.

None. They're still waiting for apologies.

Dipolmatic rules are extremely well-defined, and should be understood by all FMs and ambassadors. These simple snubs and insults can lead to major conflicts. What Ayalon did was very insulting and he should have been smart enough to know this. Its time for him, and Israel to put pride aside and apologize the right way. Israel needs Turkish friendship more than Turkey needs Israel.

The behaviour of Deputy Foreign Minister Daniel Ayalon towards the Turkish Ambassador was childish and vengeful. It damaged Israel's relations with Turkey and served no purpose. In the end, Israel had to apologise. Had Israel's ambassador in another country been humiliated in this fashion, accusations of anti-Semitism would have been fast in coming.

If this reaction for this stupid Tv serie which called 'valley of wolfs' I think ayalon And Lieberman must resign both together. Do they think all turkey watch this stupid serie? This serie is aired since 2003 , I have never Watched. This serie always depicts things exegerative way. But I'm happy we see real face of Israel goverment after this stupid tv serie. I think this reaction to our new politics in region. Because we firming relations with neighbors Syria,Lebanon,Iran ...Do you know our border with Iran didn't change since 300 years. Syria and Lebanon were in ottoman empire centuries. We are brothers with them. All is normal. We want peace in middle east anymore.

So a lakck of a free press in Turkey caused Ayalon to publically humiliate the ambassador to Turkey? At least the realisation has set in that Israel needs Turkish water and the grovelling has begun.

This is absurd. Israel is responding to vicious incitement against jews and israel by Turkish television. Where is the apology from Turkey?!

if Turks killed millions armenians then let me ask you 1- where they are buried? work out the volume of 1 million dead bodies in figures and tell if the machinery was available to process this at that point in time. 2- Many many jew like yourself lived and still live in Turkey (they are part of our country) why did Turks never killed a single jew? so, get real!

I agree with you completely. It makes no difference that he once had a job as a bouncer. That doesn't define his life, his personality, or anything. What matters is the work he does today for the Israeli government. Someone who used to work as a bouncer could today be the best diplomat in the world. So, how well do you think he's doing as a diplomat today?

They choose the mots non grata person in Issrael to be diplomat in chief: Lieberman.

While I agree that the behavior of Mr. Ayalon was bad, when you follow the many undiplomatic banana republic like behavior of Turkish PM Erdogan starting with Davos and lastly his harsh words during his press conference with Lebanon's Hariri, it is understandable. Not necessary acceptable but understandable. Turkey owes a big apology to Israel for Erdogan's false accusations at Davos and after and yes Mr. Ayalon also should applogise. My opinion: Since Davos came first Mr. Erdogan should apologize first or get together at one place and do it together starting a new page in the relationship.

If we're going to criticise people, it makes sense to criticise where it can do some good. So we criticise our friends to their faces. Would it help to criticise the Turkish government on Ha'aretz? Wouldn't it be better to criticise Turkey on a Turkish publication instead? Or would it be better to criticise Turkey here and criticise Israel there....

Israel must not let the behavior of the current Islamist government causes a severing of ties with that country. Turkey is still a secular state with great reverence for the ideals of Ataturk and the Turkish army holds the balance of power. Seems like the Israel Foreign minister does not understand this.

You must agree with me that among the most trusted, prominent and most respected journalists in Turkey comes Hurriyet's Oktay Eksi. He was also the president of the world journalists association for several years. He does not believe that there is freedom of press and freedom of speech in Turkey. Telephone conversations are illegally monitored in Turkey and many prominent people like university professors medical doctors journalists writers and military officers are put into endless detention (against EU rules) without any charges. Even the PM who should be in charge of these illegal operations once complained to the news that his telephone also was monitored. Isn't he the one to put an end to these illegal activities?

the Israeli gov't should tell the turks that their ambassador is only welcome back IF the turkish gov't officially apologizes for both shows scurrilous content and anti semitic remarks. They may be private stations, but the gov't most definitely has oversight on everything broadcast in the public spectrum. To allow such hate speech and pure falsehoods air on television, frankly shows the govt's irresponsible complicity. fair is fair, no?

Ayalon is childish but Turkey is anti semitic and obviously been on the islamists road to sever ties with israel and open with her enemies. Turkey has been proboking this result intentionally

Dogan Medya Grup, owners of many major dailies (Hurriyet, Milliyet, Radikal, etc..), weeklies, radio and tv channels. They are not the Turkish PM's favourite by no means. The german Axel Springer is their partner.The programme was not specially designed to criticise İsrael. It is a political drama fiction using real stories with near real anecdotes. They just happen to choose this subject for the last episode. The İsraeli reaction to it is childish and counter productive.The producers realised there is money in working against İsrael and already promised they will do a whole series about Israel.Believe me it won't be about the troustic and historıiz sites to visit nor diving ın the Red Sea. Like the 2.nd WW films the american jews have produced since the end of the war and made lots of money,the turkish producers and investors also realised there is big buck in "working" İsrael and sionism. The two states will eventually settle this stupid episode with half baked apologies accepted....

banks governments media, army, everywhere. what a monsterous conspiracy.

Israel gets away with all sorts of things simply because it's Israel. The world of diplomats is another matter. Behavior is very controlled and officious. No free passes for rude behavior. If you appoint a thug as FM, then you should expect thuggish behavior. Is anybody surprised?

Jewish intellectuals and academics must opress to Israel government to apologise on a formal way today for this impolite,rude and provocative behaviour. Ugur Albayrak Osmangazi University Dept. of Civil Engineering Eskisehir-Turkey

How about FIRST a Turkish apology and acknowledgment of the 1915 Turkish Genocide of the Armenians and Assyrians? Its my understanding that the later Grand Mufti Haj Amin Al-Husseini served as a Cavalry officer in the Ottoman Empire forces and was personally complicit in the murder of Armenian and Assyrian Christians. Of course this early "Palestinian" leader went on to incite the Anti-Jewish ethnic cleansing Arab Riots of '29, 36'-39, spent WWII in Berlin, founded the Nazi Muslim SS, and was later indicted in absentia at Nuremburg, although without ever being caught or punished. Anyone else recall Hitler being questioned by his generals about "getting away" with planning and committing the Holocaust of the Jews and saying,"...of course, but after all, who remebers the Armenians?"

and conduct forgein policy as they seem best for Turkey. Israel has the right not to like it and disagree with it but within the norms of international diplomacy. Israel has not done so, it acted as 3rd world banana state and should apologize for it.

So Israel blinks first and formally apologises to the Turkish Ambassador to Israel contrary to reports earlier in the day when the Israeli Government stated there would be no second apology. It just goes to show Israel needs Turkey more than Turkey needs Israel. I wonder if representations were made to Washington, who refused to intervene? Either way Israel is turning into a nation of cowards.

Thanks a lot for your mail, it is just about the best one could have written. How right you are and how wrong people can be.

It is good to see my fellow frends from Turkey commenting here and trying to show Israeli people that the way the current Israel goverment going is not the right way. And I am compelled to say that, in Turkey, We, Turks and Kurds are brothers and sisters so please do not try to protect our Kurdish brothers. We know that there have been some bad behaivor againg them and we are trying to fix it up. All the best,

If it was OK for Erdogan to publicly call Israeli President a "killer" in Davos; it should be just as OK for Ayalon to humiliate Turkish ambassador. What's good for the goose is good for the turke... oops gander.

That TV show is private, Don. Yet, whether a private or state-run TV plays shuch shows doesnt account for insulting a whole nation with remarks such as "the Turks should be the last to preach morality," I also have to remind the "Spooks", a TV show aired on BBC. That hasn't received such a retaliation. and please keep in mind that Turkey is not so homogenized or islamist as the bone headed Israeli officials might think.

Don, I don't know which channel they are running the Kurtlar Vadisi on but no not all channels are state-run. There are a gazillion channels which are private so when you interfere with their freedom of expression, the producing company will go to ECHR and win the case. Turkey has to abide by EU rules (European Union). You wrote that Turkey is a "mostly" democratic country. Turkey is a democratic country and even more so since it's got on the EU path.

But did certainly not deserve an insult of this kind. no country would tolerate it. I love Israel and Turkey they re both my country i belong to both of them. i hope they wont force me to choose of of them cuz i cant. so sad for me that both of my countries re runned by a bunch of circus animals!

Job done. Now can I draw your attention to the programme Spooks?

Could this be the real reason behind this fracas?

So is this the kind of response we should expect for every series or movie out there that depicts somewhat reality about Israel. Let's now forget the reaction of Ayalon is for a TV series. Hollywood is making tons of movies depicting others horrible. There have been so many movies showing how terrible Turkey is. This is not professionalism. I think as a nation (people) in the middle Turkish people are the friendliest to Israel, but thanks to people like Ayalon, that number is going down. Sure some governments are more friendly but people of those governments are not, such Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

For Israel and for all the other Jews' sake, I believe that the current Israeli coalition government should either resign or restructure its foreign diplomacy. As a Jew living in Turkey, I have never been threatened or frowned upon by Turkish people, until this current Israeli government came into power. Last year it was the Gaza crisis and Davos and this year the embassy crisis. Israel is being isolated by the modern world. It is obvious USA does not support Israel like she used to. I think it's time to self-criticize ans ask why Israel has become the bad child. I do not want to feel threatened due to the actions of Israel, just because I am a Jew. If anti-semitism is on rise, Israel's actions are also to blame.

Who the hell cares Mr Lieberman once was a bouncer ? He raised himself to a much higher level with energy, skill, effort, brains. I went to law school with class mates who were bouncers during school. US President Abraham Linclln was a bartender! Pres. Harry s. Truman was a farmer; the brilliant alexander Hamilton was illegitimate. Or do you prefer an inherited aristocracy ? If so, go to Saudi Arabia and live it up

you say ''Turkey is mostly a democracy with mostly freedom of speech'' recently a newspaper and a news agencey 'Doğan Yayın Holding' is given a large amount of fine for minor corruption the fine is so large that even all News agencies in turkey accepts helping them they cant pay it. and this is just made because they were against the current government. an other incident: 4 years ago many criminal organizations were tried to be ended. but than they invented a major group that organizes every single bad thing going in turkey and begun to put innocent anti islamist writers and thinkers professors in to this invented criminal cell. of course there re dark stuff goin on but putting there only the opposition writers and army generals protector of secularsm. many of them re rottin in jails or in home prison cant express or continue their jobs. is this the freedom of speach ure talkin about. cuz in turkey i ve never seen it. The media is totally in control of the government..

that is a private tv channel named 'star tv'. it's owned by a turkish boss (aydin dogan) and the jewish-german broadcasting company axelspringer.

ıt was sılly,correct.both sıde must shut up because ı dont belıve there ıs any problem beetween ısrael and turkısh people.what shıt goverments doıng ı dont care.palastıne.turk or ısrael.all of brothers and sısters.bye the way the kurtlar wadısı ıs the worst tv moıve ın all the world for me.when ı wathc ıt ı m just laughıng.lıke a wathcıng sıtkom.even 2 years old babys can make better.bye

the Turkish TV is not state run. http://www.startv.com.tr/DiziDetay.aspx?DiziID=83&DiziDetayID=361 and after all that where is the profit for Israel?

I don't know if Israel should have done this. The state of Turkey does not run the media, why are they being reprimanded or humiliated for something they didn't do? Israel could assume more diplomatic stance with Turkey in dealing with this issue.

Both Turkey and Israel have been quite sensible in the past, which has led to mutually beneficial trade between them, as well as a mutual respect of culture and religion. Don't get silly now!

at least once, before Israel would apologize to Turkey for the second time

'Midnight Express' is based upon a book allegedy of true experience. The author a convicted dope dealer or such. The Turkish TV programs contain anti-Jewish slanders. It is ok and 'diplomatic' in your view for your PM to yell and insult Pres Peres in public and malign the nation ? you have your view. Others have right to opposite position that It is not and to strongly condemn Erdogen's abuses and lies. hopefully in short time this will all be over and Turkey and Israel return to strong friendship

If Turkish TV is not state run, Israel has no valid complaint. Turkey is mostly a democracy with mostly freedom of speech. In the US, a TV network can air a program that says anything with very few exceptions. Criticizing Jews is not one of the exceptions. On the other hand, if Turkish TV is state-run and the program produced by the State, I have sympathy for the Israeli position, though I still believe in freedom of speech. Instead of protecting and complaining, Israel should offer counter-programming to ameliorate any damage the show is doing. A free marketplace of ideas is better than one in which the government or foreign protests dictate content. You could air an anti-Jew program in the US, but if it was really racist, it would not survive due to public outcry, loss of advertising, etc. This is much better than government censorship.

Dear Bulent, Thanks for your posts, they are very meaningful and civilized! I really enjoyed them. Cheers.

Israeli politicians do not want to cut ties with Turkey. They want a good relationship. One where the PM of Turkey would not use false and harsh accusations for Israel like he did in Davos and recently a few days ago during his press conference with Hariri. If you follow Tuirkish press as I do you will know that tere is a new direction in the foreign policy of Turkey under Mr. Davutoglu and this policy favors relations with Iran, Syria and Hamas against Israel and the western democracies. I can easily say that Erdogan and AKP have been riding on the democracy bus for a long time weakening the military with the ergenekon myth and they are getting ready to get off the democracy bus.

One thing the Israeli public should understand that Lieberman & co is disaster to Israeli international image.

the evolutions between Israel and Turkey are really disappointing... i'm turkish, but i feel friendly to the israeli people- i was upset by the rudeness of mr Ayalon/ or Liebermann, as well as by the same rude manner of mr Erdogan against such a person like mr Shimon Peres... Now, why should we try to find some guilty person when turks and israelis felt simpathy for each other a long time? state politics may be wrong sometimes- but the people are always there.... Hope to see better times and wiser politicians soonest History is is such a long way, and i have the belief we can pass over this together and get to where our place must be- natural friends Shalom alehem to my jewish friends!

1)please mls, unless I missed the news recently, I don't recall Israel having any communications with neither Irak, Syria, Lenanon nor Iran. Please explain. 2) It seems that Bora has ouched on vulgarity in his post, unless it takes very little to make you crazy!!! Israel and Turkey need each other, in fact Turkey more for very obvious reasons. Relax and post polite comments.

The foreign office under Lieberman does blunder after blunder. Unfortunately it was Natanyahu's blunder to choose him as secretary of state.

Ayalon and Liberman must be fired from their posts immidiately !!

its interesting to watch this unfold

"Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday expressed satisfaction with Ayalon's apology." Bibi, dude, it wasn't addressed to *you*. So it ain't up to *you* to decide wether or not it was "satisfactory". Israel: the only place on Earth where "diplomacy" means "talking amongst ourselves".....

Turkey was quick to recognize Israel and has been an active ally for many years. This is not a concern of the Juvenile Delinquents of the Netanyahu Government. They are having a lot of fun being nasty and alienating people. They believe the entire world is Israel's enemy and that nothing is more fun than making that true.