Turkey denies its Israel envoy requested recall
Celikkol reportedly destined for senior European post after 'personal insult' from Deputy FM Ayalon.
By Haaretz Service Tags: Israel newsTurkey on Tuesday denied reports that its ambassador to Israel had asked his superiors in Ankara to transfer him to a new posting after he was treated with deliberate disrespect by Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon.
Ayalon in January issued a formal apology to Ahmet Oguz Celikkol, who earlier in the month was summoned to explain a Turkish broadcast of dramatized abuses of Palestinians by Israeli troops, which caused offense in Israel.
Before the meeting Ayalon told 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."
Celikkol described his treatment by Ayalon and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman as a "personal insult", Army Radio reported on Tuesday. The envoy was reportedly expected to be posted to a major European capital.
Both the Turkish foreign ministry and the Turkish embassy in Israel denied knowledge of the request, however.
Responding to news of Celikkol's impending resignation, Ayalon said: "I regret the decision - but a man's will is his honor."
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan earlier this week warned Israel to "take another look at its relations with its neighbors" if it wants to maintain ties with Ankara in the future.
"Israel should give some thought to what it would be like to lose a friend like Turkey in the future," Erodegan told Euronews, regarding his thoughts on the recent tensions between the two Mediterranean countries.
"The way they recently treated our ambassador has no place in international politics," said Erdogan.
"We have done our best for Israel-Syria relations," added Erdogan. "But now we see Benjamin Netanyahu saying: 'I do not trust Erdogan, but I trust Sarkozy'. Do you have to give a name? This is diplomatic inexperience, too."
Diplomatic relations between Israel and Turkey deteriorated over a sequence of incidents since the 2008 Gaza offensive, which Erdogan and his cabinet in Ankara adamantly criticized.
"We have important ongoing agreements between us. How can these agreements be kept going in this climate of mistrust?" Erdogan told Euronews.
Regarding Turkey's criticism over Israel's Cast Lead Operation, Erdogan said: "When innocent civilians are ruthlessly killed, struck by phosphorus bombs, infrastructure is demolished in bombing and people are forced to live in an open-air prison?
"We can not see this as compatible with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, simply human rights, and we can not close our eyes to all this happening," he said.
Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman has declared that he would never allow Turkey to resume its role as mediator in Israel's indirect peace talks with Syria. Following ongoing diplomatic tension, Lieberman also suggested to Netanyahu that Israel recall its envoy in Ankara, but the prime minister vetoed the idea.
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Deputy FM Daniel Ayalon and Turkish ambassador Ahmet Oguz Celikkol in Jerusalem last month. |
| Photo by: (Archive) |
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Two Faced Erdogan tries desparetly to convince the World that Israel is not playing fair and wants the World to take their toys away. Well Erodagan, wee all know of your true intent which is to eliminate Israel at the request of your freinds the Iranians and spin the TRUTH to all that will listen but not only is the World on to your adventures but so are your PEOPLE as they have had enough of your intent to bring in Sharia Law on all Turks. Hopefully you will loose the election coming up and will be sent to Prison for all efforts in SLANDER in helping to spread the fire of muslim world dominance
funny! same thing happening to America!
Now he wants to be taken out of here? Well, as Ayalon said, "a man's will is his honor". I cannot think of a better comment...
Turkey needs Israel for the ME delusional peace process, and of course, enter in EU. But now its impossible, Turkey is becoming radical , making alliance with Iran. Secular Turkey is no more, as its aspirations to enter EU.
#20 natallie here you go spreading anti-semitic lies, your hatred as no bounds. The arab countries all perpetuate myths for centuries about any nation that disagrees with islam, and your prophet mohammad started the ball rolling and you ignorant sympathizers take the bait and think his words are the gospel (no pune intended) just because land is purposefully cleared of its inhabitants as the hebrews were exiled in babalonia by king nebakanezar, do there homes which were abandoned are they free for the taking, or the european jews in the holocaust their belongings free for the taking, Im sure your answer is yes, but in fact its NO. Just remember the G-D of Abraham, Isac and Jacob created this world and you as well, we are created in his image whether you like it or not and the Hebrew nation has always been alone, but in fact our religion is based on faith something you wouldnt know about, so in fact we in ISREAL and all jews in the world are surrounded by the LOVE of our G-D!!!
Turkey should freeze all it's Relationship with Israel immediately and take back all ambassadors. Israel is acting like Iran like a Rogue State. A dictatorship which is beating up it's citizien and cries like a child when critiscm is made. However Turkey does not need Israel, this is non sense. They can buy all those military goods from Russia,China,France,UK,USA,SouthKorea and so on, the list is long. Israel on the other hand can not loose it's only ally in the world besides the USA. Turkey will be the only energy sector to delivery gas and petrol directly to Israel and besides they are getting their drinking water from the Turks! Irony ?
the responsibilities of international legitimacy. Israel's legal borders were set in 1948. She won't accept the generous offer of her captives to accept the 1967 borders as her sovereign limit. She insists on controlling all borders of any Palestinian state, ie Israel demands control of all of Palestine. And who knows what else she wants. Why do we trade with Israel? She should be brought to heal until she accepts her responsibilities. We just can't allow her unruly behaviour to undermine our societies. A friend needs to tell a friend.
Besides Merkel?
You should ignore Erdogan.If I were Erdogan I would say the same things but keep close relationship with Israel if he wants to help the middle east peace. 1- Israel doesn't want peace. She is a time consumer. 2- Erdogan will be in power for another 5 years. We should be patient 3-Is Turkey sliding in to the Islamic rules? Certainly not.The society seems to have reconcilied therefore turkey will be more powerful than ever before however we do not want her power to be used to resolve for middle east problems.The way turks understand from islam or the ways turks practise islam is million miles away from the islam that is followed by european moslem communities or asian moslem countries as I live and observe in the UK . The army won't step in. everything indicates that turkey is becoming more democratic and transparant.You shouldn't expect that people in turkey protest these tv series your should be protesting in israel people do not take it serious
how many other states have done the same?
What do you expect???
there is nothing that Israel will do will satisfy radicalized Erdogan. He has purposely chosen the pugnacious path of verbal diatribes and insults toward Jewish State. The stick has two ends and security issues are of mutual concern. If Israel will have less security due to Erdogan's disrespectful threats the same goes for Turkey. I hope people of Turkey see beyond Erdogan's blind rage and next election get some one more sensable and understanding of the situation.
The turkish post came out with a series of new post stamps dedicated to turks who saved jews during the black years of the holocauste, SO MUCH FOR OUR ALLEGATIONS OF TUKISH ANTISEMITISM. PLEASE INFORM LIBERMAN AND ALLIES. he may protest or do other foolish things
The Turkish rep should have stood up, dumped the table on Ayalon and Lieberman and then punched them in the face. This is the only thing that Israeli politicians understand, after all, they routinely do it amongst themselves.
Turks support the anti-Semitism and the anti Israel policy of Erdogan.Did anybody in Turkey protest this discusting movies against Israel.Islam is uniting.
Announcing we closed for renovations untill the next elections.
and answers to nobody. hmmmmmm
Our Israeli friends should not be distracted by the politicians' rhetoric. Israel has many friends in Turkey.
Euronews has just launched a new Turkish language service. Euronews is the European Commission's chosen mouthpiece.
Erdogan has only spoken the truth about Israel's treatment of the Palis and is accused of being an Israel hater. Most countries in world agree with him but do not have the courage to say so.
No. Israel should not act as if it were a pariah state, because that gives its enemies a sign that their delegitimation campaign works. Atalon was wrong. Lieberman is wrong. And Bibi is the most wrong of all by nominating Lieberman as Israel's top diplomat. That's where the fish stinks.
What a great pity that the foreign minister and his deputy do not represent the best of Israel. They do not even seem to be aware of the everending damage they do to our image, or whats left of it.I look foward to the day when the elite of our society represent us,and not the dregs.
Turkey has been in the cue line now for many years trying to make it into the EU. I am no expert in this matter but too many countries in the EU do not seem willing to open the door. Now as I read in OTHER news media , Turkey is looking to Russia for closer political and economic ties. The feeling being that Turkey is a natural ally of Russia and Russia's other friends. Open your eyes and read more before you continue to bash Israel. Could be soon you might have to eat your words Natalie.
Turkey is trying to be on the international stage & missed the door ?! Being part of the arab-islamic world will be the wrong stage where Turkey will have its first debut ! The stage which is crowded with many undesirables can only ends with undesirable future for Turkey. Turkey needs to be part of free europe and not be be part of its old islamic ottoman world. A minor dispute with Israel could be unfortunate indeed, but it must not be the end of the world ? After all, real friedship grow always by being tested !
Funny seeing Israel insult one nation after another, and, upon receiving the expected negative reaction, the Israeli attitude is, "We don't need them anyway". We already know that Israel values others only insofar as they can be of use to Israel. We also know that the Israeli lobby in America keeps the American politicians in line. As long as this continues, American power can be used as a proxy to keep other nations in check regarding their actions toward Israel. I am waiting for the day, and it will come soon, that there will be an issue with America, and we will hear the usual Israeli response, "We don't need them anyway". At that point, Israel will receive it's welcome into the world of reality and will need to learn a little humility. Israelis think they never need learn humility. They are mistaken.
the fact that the foreign ministers of the "Chosen People" are only mirroring the Israeli national character.
Steve you are right. Except, I for the life of me can't understand why Israelis can't see that this is a natural re-alignment by Turkey, towards a greater economic body(s) rather than some sort of closeted Anti-Semitism by Erdogan. It's about Money. Trade. The Turks have to do something for the Arabs to want to work with them - Voicing anger and contempt towards Israel is the perfect compromise. You scratch my back, I scratch yours.
If israel keeps misbehaving,American friendship will be lost as well. The way israely officials villify Prez Obama and his staff will result in a big blow to israel. Excluding congress, the popular support of israel is eroding with the American people.This is a fact.
On the Kurdish villages.
I agree with you flora. But you know that israel is always above all International Laws!
The respect Israël feels and displays towards its international partners is clearly demonstrated by the fine quality, sophisticated education and culture, and exceptional background of its foreign affairs minister.
All this because someone got the comfy couch?
now after seeıng your comments here ı really regret that we had realıtons people lıke you in the first place
If Turkey wants to influence Israel, they must understand that we have enough Moslem countries as enemies. Israel's reaction is natural. If Turkey wants to be a player in the Middle East it should learn to look at the problems of Gaza etc from Israel's point of view. Otherwise they are just one of a whole host of Israel haters. Too bad Turkey took this line. They COULD have made a real contribution to peace in the Middle East.
Israel should close all her embassy until she make sense to her policy!
Israel is her own enemy she does not need anyone from outside she doing a great job all by herself:)
What a stupid stunt! No diplomacy whatsoever. Is your foreign ministry run by people with 12-year-old mentalities?
this sage with erdogan is endless. dont you believe the ambassador has resoigned at his own will - erdogn told him to quit so that the story continues to his the headlines. normally such episodes - right or wrong whould ahve been forgotten by now. Let him go. second: i see a veiled threat in erdogan saying ''israel should rethink what will ahppen if turkey's frindship is lost'' - is he intimating changinf g his passive support to thye hamas, syrya and Iran to an active one, an aggresive one?? turkey is inching away from democracy. i know well the game he is playing internaly. the result is written on the wall.. the army will step in and he will be hanged at the market palce togetjhrt with GUl, the president. it is all a question of time, not too long. last, where is the \Usa in all this episode?
after the 'humiliation' scene there really was no more base of trust left between this man and the Israeli foreign ministry. After all, the apologies offered were, at best reluctant and half-hearted. I just hope it was worth it for Israel
Israel should close its embassies in Turkey and request Turkey do likewise. There's no point in continuing this charade anymore.
..Israel is on the cusp of being treated like South Africa was in the 70s and 80s. We are one step away from some kind of official boycott, and possibly sanctions. We need every friend we can get. The fact that Turkey, one of the most significant Mediterranean countries and a major Muslim state, keeps diplomatic relations with us shows that they are friendly. Think of the number of states (out of 195 in the world) that don't have ties with Israel. Erdogan may not be well-disposed to Israel, but Turkey is a democracy like Israel. In time Erdogan will move on, as will Lieberman and Ayalon. Do we need to spoil the basis of a good relationship - which already has cost Israel jobs and business? This spat alone has already cost 100s of jobs at a time when Israel needs employment.
Sydney is quite right. Israel does not need more enemies.
No chair can ever be low enough for the Olympic champions in hypocrisy. So the Turkish PM thinks that Israel cannot afford to lose a 'friend' like Turkey - with friends like Turkey, Israel does not need enemies.
Who needs a friend like Erdogan? Unless one likes to be abused.