U.S. lawmakers in Israel 'puzzled' by Ayalon boycott

If Israel doesn't consider our interests important, why shouldn't we feel the same way about Israel's interests?

Get the arms at a subsidized and sometimes free rate? Would you rather Iran, Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Lebannon, Hamas, shall I continue naming states who hate the USA? Who were happy in your time of grief and pain? or are you for arming to the teeth the peoples who allegiance to the USA is certainly in doubt, by their actions and words? The USA and Israel might not get along 100% but the only time there was combat between the two, Congress was satisfied that it was a mistake on Israel's part and never opened a commission of inquiry regarding it, THE ONLY TIME IN US HISTORY THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED. The Weapons are surely needed, but just because the USA helps Israel doesn't mean the Israel is now the USA slave, otherwise, well what do Gazans and WB Palestinians owe israel for the electricity and water that they receive? I am sure we'd both agree that Palestinians don't deserve nor should they be Israel's slaves, so why is it that Israel should be that to the USA?

I said "THEY", the zionists writing here. They claim they do not need the money. They claim it is not money but weapons. They claim the money goes back immediately to the benefit of US arms makers. As if there were a difference! But I was making a pun: 'they do not need help in making enemies'.

If Israel is sel sufficient, why then accept the Us tax payers dough?

Excuse me Mark Lincoln but you do not know "everything about everything" in Israel. J Street,to most sane thinking Jews, is a dangerous organization. It is made up of Jews who live not in the world of reality but in the world of palestinian appeasement and disdain for Israel which could be very dangerous to the existence of Israel. So...........if you are Ayalon you weigh your possibilities..should you meet with people who want to help in the destruction of Israel and give them credibility or do you close the door and say sorry. He made the right choice and I am proud of him for doing this. J Street is the far extreme left sitting in the lap of Marxism..Israel doesn't want them and most American Jews do not want them.

Obama has with the American people. Totally insufferable. It just gets worse.

J-Street and it's congressional cronies and Arab funders are not allies. We will ultimately be destroyed by our own - including the Israeli ultra-left like Ilan Pappe and Neve Gordon. Very hard to watch an accident happening.

kept the stars from my eyes. Hope and change without the truth is false hope and change. At least I'm not bitter like Mark Lincoln. LOL! Now, Obama says we are an "ungovernable" people. We aren't ungovernable, we're defending our Republic and our Constitution.

I was wrong about Obama (I hate this). I wanted him badly to be great, decisive and above all revolutionary. I loved his speeches, grand words and glorious visions. You never fell for that (maybe it is true than that women miss the fantasy and a certain level of abstract or ideological thinking to fall for the man with the flute. The advantage of a disadvantage one could say). But always look at the bright side: it is better to foolishly follow (and be conned by) an American backbone lacking, reality missing,fight evading Glass House nitwitt then to do so with a German former housepainter who spoke about change and grande visions too. We have progress here in Europe, don't let anybody fool you about that. Regards.

I take it though that it was not custom for US Congressional delegations to visit Israeli politicians with AIPAC members joining them in the past. After carefull thinking I agree with you, it is provocative, insulting and above all has the "well-meant" arrogance of "I know better what is good for you then you do yourself and therefore are helping you". I advise the Glass House president to read Goethe's Faust and espescially to focus on what Mephistofeles means when he says: "I am part of a force that always wants to bring right and good but always brings bad and evil". Respect Obama

I have been waiting for 60 years! I hope you are right. PS. Israel does not need any threat, being self-sufficient, according to people here. Keep digging.

With so many leaning lefts countries,who supports indirectly or directly jihad, Israel has a good man to show the way the things are.

Friends? US under Obama is a threat to Israel security plus Eurabia. Get it?

Israel doesn't need the USA nearly as much as the USA needs Israel. So why not put them in their place?

What an idiot - this is no diplomat but a sullen little kid thats way over his head.

Let me clarify it for your directly Mr. Delahunt!! You've been snubbed and embarassed by the Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister. It was not a misunderstanding, it was deliberate. Is their any remaining ambiguity? The real question is when is the U.S. congress finally going to show some backbone and stand up to these bullies and their right wing ideology?

Apparently Emanuel wants to meet with Ayalon to learn from him how to treat the Republicans on the seating arrangements. You may treat him a little bit better, ha?.

Ayalon has gone mad,same could be said of Lieberman Israel is better off putting both of them in a nut house, they are harming Israel's standing across the world.Shalom to all

Compared with alyon I'd rather go bowling with leiberman and I'm Palestinian

Didn't lower sitting arrangements apply for US? I wonder what Mr. Natanyahu was thinking by associating with these amateurs in his government?

So you like also his way of making friends?

seating arrangement favoured by Mr Ayalon. Just get a look at that pout (photo) looks like a tantrum brewing.

So the issue is becoming clear. Not only you don't have to be anti-semite to be welcome, but you MUST agree with the policies of the government of the day, no matter whatever your opinion is. This is not a democracy, dear zion, but totalitarianism. And, considering government (and opinions) from time to time change, you must change too or be boycotted. And the number of your friends is getting smaller.

Stop criticizing Ayalon! This level of honesty and clarity in dealing with the international community, if you do not agree with us, you are then against us, is good for peace, in the long run.

HE DIDN'T "SNUB" THE US.HE JUST DIDN'T WANT TO SPEND HIS TIME WITH THE 'Jstreet" GANG.A BUNCH OF MISGUIDED LEFT WINGERS,THAT WOULD GLADLY GIVE AWAY THE WHOLE OF ISRAEL TO THE 'pals'IN EXCHANGE OF A 'PEACE" A LA 'afatrat'.REMEMBER CZECOSLOVAQUIA..............

You hit the nail right on the head. Bibi was snubbed in DC...nobody said boo. Now here you have a Democratic Congressman with shady credentials schlepping along a group of people- J Street- that clearly the higher ups in the Israeli cabinet... as well as many other Israelis do not trust. I would like to know if J-Street was always part of the Congressman's travelling group ....and did he advise the Israelis prior to embarking on this mission. Bottom line. The democrats are living on borrowed time in the Congress...Obama walked into a maelstrom...not his doing....but the smell is in the air that he is gone after his 4 yrs and the Republicans are on the way back. I wonder what the Republican take is on this snub.

Time for the yanks to do a serious re-evaluation of their relationship with the jew State.

While Ayalon's boorish and immature behavior may appeal to people of similar ilk, to all others, it is an embarrasment.

Ayalon needs some serious manners taught to him. You don't snub an allie~! what a jerk! Thats all Israel needs is an arrogant fool in an important office to make @sses out of all of us! He should kiss their tooshies with a sweeping apology and GET A CLUE ON HOW TO BE A STATESMAN!!! C'MON FOLKS!!! ITS NOT LIKE HE'S A HEAD OF STATE!!!!

Neither do the organizations you support speak for me. I speak for myself and have no need for J Street of the so-called major Jewish organizations.

To Ruvyin Gush Shilo It's my money and that of American taxpayers you're talking about. I for one would rathe see it used to help my fellow Americans. Isn't Gush Shilo another illegal settlement?

I bet that if our government decided to give that 3 billion dollar welfare check that israel gets to rebuild Haiti next year that they would not be so rude to our elected representatives. Ha Ha Ha, keep it up and the day might not be that far off.

J-Street is actually an anti-Israel group masquerading as "pro-Israel." But Ayalon would have been smart to have met the US Lawmakers anyway. By not meeting them he loses the opportunity to get his message across. The tacit recognition of J-Street would have been insignificant in comparison. That is my opinion at least.

Way to go Ayalon , snub the dominant party in congress .... please do ..... we cant afford to send you aid anyway untill after we get and pay for healthcare reform and renew our economy . I see you have been taking lessons from the John Bolton School of Diplomacy ....Way to GO

and are not part of Congress. No one is obligated to meet with J Street or any other lobby.

hasn't Obama insulted? Delahut left town before reporters could ask him about Amy Bishop. Which Foreign Minister of any other country is asked to meet with lobbyists without an invite? None.

Its just another anti-Israel forum but with the face of an "informed" and "sophisticated" Jew. Most American Jews do not support the creation of another Muslim state. Why should Ayalon bow down to these people?

Then they are truly stupid people.

If you disagree with J Street, you should meet with them and convince them why they are wrong. Surely your position is strong enough to hold up to debate. But to "boycott" them will make them only harden their position. Of course it's an intelligent position, so keep up the boycott!

Perhaps it is time for Ayalon to visit some of our prestigious American universities. Others of his ilk have received warm receptions indeed.

Hugo Chavez is not anti-semitic. unless you are now going by the new meaning,"someone the jews hate".

The pure laziness of Israel's so-called left has done nothing but whine and complain while allowing Bibi et al to run amok. Any Israeli leftist has absolutely no room to criticize. Just put up or shut up. I'm more politically engaged in promoting a peace agenda than any of you and I'm living in Florida for frig's sake. J-Street is about that. They are picking up the slack you dropped and you can only blame yourselves. Supporting a peaceful resolution to Middle East problems, electing a moderate government, and making sure Israel is a civil society is what should concern you, not Jewish organizations in the USA. I say those who want a better future and a peaceful future for the region are the Zionists and Bibi and the lazy left are not. You deserve each other.

Why should he shake hands and smile to those who want Israel's surrender to Hamas ,just like the Soros financed JStreet wants ?

Well, America, if you're gonna act like a doormat, Israelis are gonna walk all over you.

Israel should be happy that over a thousand people, many young Jews, still care about Israel's future and attended their conference. Israel should understand that over 200 congress members signed off and congratulated J Street on their conference. As Dylan sang, "you don't need a weatherman to tell you which way the wind is blowing..." We know folks in their hanhalah, they are smart, love Israel and have every right as Americans and Jews to make their voices known. I never elected AIPAC to represent me....

What a curious state of affairs. I don't remember Abba Eban, Yigal Allon, Moshe Dayan, or even Yitzhak Shamir deliberately snubbing a large percentage of American Jews, much less the majority. I can't even imagine Shimon Peres doing it, or David Levy. Now it is considered not only acceptable but admirable for Israeli Foreign Ministers and their deputies to offend any nation, any group, anyone that they wish. It isn't even the malice that shows the worst of these Netanyahu men, it is the glee and his approval. Why does Israel consider it necessary to offend for the pure pleasure of offending? That is really crazy behavior.

I'm sure you will be glad to provide proof of your claims that JSteeet had anything to do with the students' protest at UC Irvine. Maybe you spoke to the students personally? Otherwise let's see you back up your hasbara.

They are trying to be the legitimate organization representing "jewish voice". The are not. They are a private organization of the people that represent themselves. Good for them... No government has an obligation to meet them. Their presence in Congressional delegation is provocative.

Egypt, Turkey

It is their right to decide who will meet with any delegation. US Congressmen are in a foreign country and should respect its sovereignty.

They're doing more to damage Israel's reputation than a boatload of anti Semites could do in a lifetime.

If the American lawmakers' positions do not match that of the current Israel regime word by word , then they snub the congressmen. Truly amazing given the support the US Congress has always given to Israel. If anyone needed any (additonal ) proof that the right wing regime in Israel is completely out of touch with the realities of the world, here you have it. It is clear as day to me that the US , after much delay, is beginning to see that the blind and unconditional support for Israel is unwise and detrimental. Day after day month after month and year after year Israel is doing more harm to itself than any other entity could possibly do. Bravo Ayalon and your thug/settler boss Lieberman.

I wish that was true, but people do actually choose their friends to affirm for themselves what they think they are. It has been concluded in scientific surveys that most people chose friends who are intellectually, socially and financially not bigger than they are because that hurts most people and offend their self-esteem, so it was concluded. The expression was once spoken to me by my father but it was: "show me your friends and I will tell you what you are". He wanted to teach me something about decency, honesty, loyalty, respect and the importance of being a Mensch I still (wishfully) think.

Ayalon ok you msut be the next prime minister!!!Do what you think , you will be a good prime minsiter!!!

I used to live in boca, maybe i knew her... Any "help" that J-Street would give, i wouldnt want. It doesnt look like Israel does either.

Israel, it is false statement: annual US contribution is close to 1% of the wealth created by Israel. I guess getting rid of this help(burden) would also be highly beneficial for Israel.

could have suggested a meeting without a bunch of lobbyists. Maybe Delahunt should concern himself with his involvement with DR Amy Bishop and worry less about his lobbyist friends. Remember Netanyahu was snubbed by the Obama gang when he was in Washington.

The Jstreet anti-Israel lobby is funded by Arab and Iranian oil interests whose own regimes do not recognise or negotiate with Israel. It is time to say very firmly that respect is a two way street.

I'd rather have a red neck from working an honest job than to have a brown ring around it from having it shoulder deep in Saudi/Soros/J-Street backsides. The majority in Israel support Bibi and Lieberman. Livni is just like you, appeasing losers who cower behind "real men." As for the majority of American Jews, they are as lady-like as the men on Castro Street in San Francisco.

J-Street is a joke, and Delahunt is an even bigger joke.

it is an anti-Israeli ultra leftist group. Supporting antisemetic groups bent on destroying Israel. Anyone that looks at their agenda and associations, including the fact that they are supported by the Obama administration can easily determine that they will blindly support anything that is anti-Israeli including Goldstone.

who is alive and well in Boca Raton: "Don't be an ingrate!"

Interesting I can follow. But is it good or bad in your eyes or perhaps both or neither? Truly interested what ya think.

... a USA congressional representative. Did people elect J-Street or do they exist as a Lobby group. and if they are not democratically elected representatives of the constituents of the USA only representatives of persons with money who can sponsor a Federal Lobby group, then why must they be confused for the former? The Former, being a representative of the American People, an ally of israel, most certainly deserves respect and time of Israeli politicians. But LOBBYIST DO NOT DESERVE THIS, THAT IS A PRIVILEDGE, PRIVILEDGE IS NOT A RIGHT, YOU HAVE NO CLAIM TO PRIVILEDGE. The Foreign Ministry is happy to arrange such meetings for U.S. Congress members currently in Israel, without any mediators. The Foreign Ministry is troubled by the attempt to dictate who will be present at such meetings, which is unacceptable in diplomatic life." So how is the above quote in Disrepute, with the policy in place?

Israel should pay a price for their childish behavior.What a blunder.

I will be writing to every member in the House of representative and Congress to file a repremand to the israeli P.M. and ask for a full explanation for this rude behavior. I will also as for a complete suspention of the $3 BLN in direct aid as well as the $ nillions we send israel in military hardware. We need the monies at home to help our unemployed and cover the deficits. israe does not desrve our support.

Since when is a Deputy Foreign Minister required to hold a meeting with Congressmen (or any foreign government contingent) who invite an external party to be present. TOTALLY ridiculous. Do you meet with your physician and have him invite his golf partner to his office???

and what do they base their opinions on ?? iraq and afghanistan ?

Richter tries to tell us the "vast majority of American Jews" back J-Street. They don't. Richter of course has no facts or figures to back up his blanket support of J-Street, because they don't exist. J-Street is a bit player trying to exert more influence that it is entitled to. Richter is probably a J Street crony, which is why s/he gives some commie sounding slogan about disrespecting yourself if you don't like J Street. Wow. Talk about 1984-speak that tries to shut up anybody who criticizes J Street's propaganda! Sorry, Richter, but we can read J Streets crap for ourselves. According to J Street our economy, army, and society are in ruins because of "the settlements". Funny, but the economic stats just came out showing our growth is up again and our economy robust. A lot more robust than the weak propaganda from J Street.

How can such an apparently loose cannon be allowed to do such stupid things? Did the FM order this imbecile to do this? If not, why is he not more closely monitored? Does the PM support this kind of behavior?

The Arabs has talked their mouthes dry for decades to discredit Israel in the world and espescially in Israel's grand friend the USA (it took them quite long though to figure out talking in Arabic instead of talking in English to Americans was not very productive for them). Lieberman and Ayalon are Allah's gift to them for their never ending hartbreaking monologues about injustice. I say it again: Irony is stuff this universe is full off.

The Arabs has talked their mouthes dry for decades to discredit Israel in the world and espescially in Israel's grand friend the USA (it took them quite long though to figure out talking in Arabic instead of talking in English to Americans was not very productive for them). Lieberman and Ayalon are Allah's gift to them for their never ending hartbreaking monologues about injustice. I say it again: Irony is stuff this universe is full off.

You support a two stage solution with J Street and every other bloke out there. Who doesn't? Do you really think that Israel needs to be pressured into the Clinton plan, or even Olmerts? Arafat said NO. Abbas said NO. '67 borders with some land swaps, shared Jerusalem and financial compensation (not RETURN) for the refugees is not good enough for the Palestinians. So, your plan, as American Jews, is to pressure Israel. To dilute our Jewish goodwill with the US Congress to pressure Israel to offer MORE than your J Street web site even says. And you wonder why Israeli government officials don't want to meet. You want to prevent sanctions against Iran!!??!! Peace now, peace this, peace that...only works with a partner who wants peace. Peace defined as a Jewish State of Israel next to an Arab State of Palestine. Pressure those folks, they are the ones who keep saying no. Stop playing roulette with the lives of Israelis from the comfort of Brooklin NYC.

The fifth son: the one who could not think. Give him a free membership to J Street.

Even by Israelis standards this is very poor, i thought we had seen the worst of israeli leaders but there's just no limit and to bite the hand that feeds you of the US especially them being republicans is more than stupid by Israeli standards. I feel sorry for the people of Israel. I think it's time for the majority sane people to stand up and overthrow this foolish government who will soon make you pay the price for their mistakes while they fly of to their mansions in the US.

I'm not sure how so many human rights offenders get a free pass while the 'progressives" focus on Israel. But, the self defeating, cowardly, American Jewish apologists are weak and dangerous. I am baffled by both your lack of conviction and your basic lack of understanding the facts. Who are you going to negiotiate with? Even the Saudi newspaper Arab News bashed Abbas for not meeting face to face with Israel to negiotiate. What part of the brewing anti-Semitism do you J-Streeters not see? Do you think it may have a little to do with the 'weak knee'd Jews" who now line up against Israel? In the Ellie Weisel book the "Town Beyond The Wall" he writes how the Germans were terrified of the Jews after WWII. Once they relized that no revenge would take place they, you guessed it, had nothing but contempt for the Jews. There is no greater target than a weak Jew. J-Streeters, look in the mirror.

My words exactly. I too am puzzled and amazed that this buffoon keeps his position. You only bite the hand that feeds you so many times.

I understand the position of Mr. Ayalon. For him, as deputy foreign minister, it was undiplomatic. However J Street is not a Jewish organization recognized by the majority of the Jews in America. J Street is the political arm of the pro-Israel, pro-peace movement. I understand, it is a left wing organization. J Street was recently created in 2008 . The Obama administration uses a so-called ?representation? of the Jews, for the government to deal with, instead of dealing with the established, existing Jewish organizations. This is insulting to all Jews in the United States and abroad. This organization is dividing the Jewish people who have their long standing organizations. The congressmen showed a lack of tact by taking a left wing organization to visit Israel, which does not have a left wing government. As a Jew I am very sensitive to this event. I believe we don?t need any additional political Jewish organization in the United States and even less, a dividing one.

...I've had it with these American Jewish groups that want to play roulette with the lives of Israeli's. J Street was against the Gaza action, which was neccessary to save Israeli lives. J Street is against sanctions (and I'm sure bombing) on Iran to prevent them from getting Nukes. J Street and American Jews who join them have deluded themselves into thinking that there is some "free to be, you and me" Arab world out there waiting to embrace them if they just concede enough. It is not the job of American Jews to be more Palestinian than the Palestinians. The Arab annomosity against us is sad, but understandable. It is a conflict between the parties. The Arab side has lost (five times or so) but still thinks they can dictate the peace. The liberal European hatred toward us is disgusting and un-warrented. Weren't 6 million dead Jews enough for you? The American far left's obsession with bashing Israel is nutty..... (continued)

You have no idea what Israel faces. On a daily basis. J Street does not represent the American Jewry. For the American Jewry in Israel does not accept J Street. Tell us all, how the USA is faring with Al Qaeda, or the Taliban. In fact, tell us how the USA is faring with Tehran and its despotic theocratic regime that murders its own citizens. Are you really an innocent bystander.? Or have you seen the carnage of a bus bombing or a murder in the mall? Well, Richter, I lived through the carnage. For, Israel is the foremost target of the Extreme Islamic Challenge. Only, that Israel is living in the real world. Not in some fantasy, created by those that cannot understand one iota. J Street, has become a thorn, in fact a devastating cancer that has been devised by some liberal minded folk that believe that Israel should surrender to the wishes of those that wish to destroy and vanquish its people to the diaspora and possibly back to the ghettos and pogroms of the past. G·night.

Richter, in right-wing pro-Israeli eyes, you my friend are not a Jew. That's the sad part. They will do everything in their power to delegitimize anyone opposed to their views, that includes stripping you of your Jewishness...like they even have a right to do so anyway. It's high time the Jews from all around the world voiced their concerns and opinions about the direction Israel should consider. If the extremist powers continue to have their way, the US govt should forcibly impose a solution militarily. That's where it's headed if American congressman continue to be treated with such disrespect.

.. and I'm pretty secular and reform. From the J-Street web site: "The contours of a two-state solution are well known. President Clinton outlined the parameters in 2000, and progress on this basis was made in Taba in 2001 and under Israeli Prime Minister Olmert in 2008. Various initiatives have spelled out the principles and even the details." That is great, one MAJOR PROBLEM. The Palestinians rejected these proposals. Now what Ricter? Pressure Israel more? A Jewish group that is a proponent of pressuring Israel to make a deal with the Palestinians who rejected what You and They claim to want? A Jewish Lobby group, pro Israel (really?) pro peace who want to PRESSURE ISRAEL VIA THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS to make concessions to people who do not. No Ricter, they do not speak for me, or many of us. Claim they speak for you and those you know personally agree. Do not throw it out there that the majority of Jews are part of this sucidal path.

The Uniterd States are you best ally and friend in this world and many Israelis and Gov't officials routinely snub, insult and act ungrateful to the USA. Taxpayers are getting tired of these money flows to Israel and time is running short.

Yes, this was rude and unnecessary to some extent. A lot of the art of diplomacy is hearing out the other side's view, even if you know deep down that it's worthless. But to be fair, this wasn't the US mainstream being snubbed here. Delahunt is not particularly popular, and his political views are (on the US spectrum at least) fairly extreme, certainly not near the mainstream. A congressional tour led by J Street is not the same as a visit by the Secretary of State or the President. The policial momentum in the USA at the moment is against folk like Delahunt. If J Street is mostly attached to such elements, which are rapidly sapping support, then Israeli interests are safe for now.

This 'putz' has his jop because he has one of the finest minds in the government. This 'putz' has a deep understanding of the mechanism that encourages anti-Semitism and is one of Israel's best spokesmen in international forums. This 'putz' is a future prime minister and he will be one of the best Israel has ever had. This 'putz' is a moral man who speaks his mind and has no time for political double talk. We need more 'putzim' like this in our terrible government.

J-Street speaks for American Jewry..... Really ??? Who are those Jewry , beside a few misinformed or opportunistic ? It is definitely not the ones I know , and I know many . Maybe those are the kinds I have met during the cold war in Moscow trying to warm up to communist dictators and I could not engage them because of the KGB ? But they had a fulfilling good time , they felt progressive . As those radical causes disappear they are looking for any to cling to . So now they advocate against the interest of Israel .

Get rid of Danny Ayalon. He has reached the limits of his usefulness. There is little need for stupidity at so difficult a time. How many more friends would Israel be willing to lose?

Delitimization has to stop. The Israeli gov't has decided to stop it; it has gone too far. Then the question is how is it to be done. Would u then not oppose those who , perhaps for sincere reasons , effectively support the deligitimizers? What's the big mystery here?

A couple of US Lawmakers from Massachusetts, coupled by the J Street folk, well, I doubt that either the FM or the DM and less so the PM has time for these outsiders that have some weird agenda, so well orchestrated under the umbrella of "We know whats good for Israel"! The US fights its wars faraway, in Iraq Afghanistan Somalia Yemen, but never on its borders, except in the case of the narco-traffickers in Mexico. Therefore, the least said is best. May they have an enjoyable visit to Eretz Israel, then return HOME. Good night from snowy and divine Swiss Alps.

To all US politician: WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE!!! You all have been played for a VERY long time already.

FAir enough. Stop giving us money and preserving our interests in the UN.

Ayalon has still not understood he is working in diplomacy, not the army. This guy is an unpinned grenade that will damage Israel positions at least in the short term. The Dems have the majority at the congress, what is the point at spitting at their face because of a small NGO, j-street that is not on the same line? Ayalon get smart. Instead Israel diplomacy should start shaking its brain, as recommended by Reut to counter the tough delegitimization process it's facing. This requires finesse, not Ayalon's bluntness. Fortunately for Israel, he is not in office forever. By the way Bibi, you should think about it.

As long as the US pays sos many of Israel's bills, it has the obligation to be polite to our legislators.

and most of the people i know don't support J street. a review of J streets policies and a profile in the NYT about the folks who run J street will tell you why. sure a 2 state solution is the end game, but that's not Hamas, Hisb, or Iran. ask the Egyptians about protecting their border and you will understand why a blockade of gaza is necesary

have things gone so far that many in Israel demonize anyone, Jew or non-Jew, who is not a total supporter of building, annexation, and eventual end of democracy or apartheid in Israel? Supporters of a two state solution include the majority of US Jews, and many in Israel as well. I fear the far right in Israel is pushing the vast majority of Jews away--demonize all not orthodox (question their status over conversion), demonize all who do not believe Obama to be a Muslim/Socialist/Radical. it is amazing that some Jews here even believe classic anti-semitic conspiracy theories like those linked to the billionaire philanthropist Soros! I fear for Israel's future and the future of any unity between israeli far right and the diaspora.

You should not bite the hand that feeds you! Without the blind US support, both in weapons and finance matters, you are deemed to evaporate in seconds. But people like Ayalon and Lieberman are the best guarantee for your steep fall into hell. Soon, no one will take side to your illegal occupation and suppression of Palestinians inside and outside Israel and West Bank, not to mention the blockade of Gaza with over 1,5 mio people, including 0,800 mio children. and the brutal Cast Lead war against them.

Good stuff. Pour it on. Israel can go it alone. Trust me.

Why would Israel offend a delegation the of US Congress and not welcome the opportunity to discuss issues of real importance like reducing the threat of a nuclear Iran? If only members with views in line with the Likud Party are qualified to participate in talks, a letter should be given to George Mitchell spelling out the new preconditions.

Zionists seem to have a thing about changing the subject. What does Amy Bishop have to do with Ayalon's actions?

J-Street is pretending to be pro-Israel, pro-peace organization, however, the list of its donors includes a number of muslims, the founder, Soros, is anti-Israel, and J-Street activity demonstrates anti-Israel intends. The organizations advocates for division of Jerusalem, full support for Obama?s plan for Israel including 1967 border, support for Goldstone report. In other words, J-Street is an advocate for elimination of the State of Israel. Their profound ignorance in Israel and ME history and international law is astonishing. Their only motivations are money and political position close to the US government. They change their rhetoric now not because it was wrong, but because they need Israel support to represent themselves for US Jewish community and get support for their nominations to the US Senate and Congress on the next elections. And who are their nominees: there is a list of ?Gang of 54? anti-Israel lawmakers who signed a letter to Obama asking him to press Israel hard for more concessions. J-Street is planning to bring a group of three lawmakers from this list and a group of brainwashed students to Israel to protest in E. Jerusalem and Judea and Samaria against Israel policies. Please, for the sake of Israel and Jewish people in Israel and US, do not give J-Street legitimacy to represent Israel, as this will lead to catastrophe.

Actually it was Erdogan who lost us an ally in Turkey. Ayalon and Co. just had the courage to see it for what it is.

You might want to talk to more American Jewish people before you make a statement like that. Because i know a vast amount that would seriously disagree with you. Including myself.

If you live and govern in a closed society, you do not have to acknowledge others whether they are Palestinians, J Street, Turks, Syrians, Muslims, Christians or any other group that offends you. Israeli leaders appear to have moved to a stage of arrogance and disregard for common decency.

Its good to see denial is alive and well and living in the Talkback columns of Haaretz. Red-neck, reactionary, racism is alive and well both in these columns and in our Foreign Ministry. Heads are stuck far down in the sand - exposing the thinking parts. Our American friends are being far too polite to a man who single-handedly lost us a crucial ally in Turkey - and didn't get fired for it. But then his boss is the man now shunned by growing numbers of countries - but that's OK, Yvet is just our Foreign Minister. What's worst of all is that the nation has gone to sleep during all of this, in the hope they'll wake up and find it was just a bad dream. Yawn.

The vast majority of American Jews oppose the occupation and support a two state solution -- to disrespect J Street is to disrespect us all. Clearly the demands of international politics are far more than the personal political pique of Ayalon can handle -- Isarel is ill-served by this clown.

How rude of those Americans congresspeople to ask to see the Foreign Ministry staff? Don't they know they're supposed to stay in the US, shut up, and continue to give Israel billions of USD every year without question?

What country has received more than $120B in US aid? Ayalon and the night club man:"What can we do to screw up those who provide that aid?" Keep up the good work, lads

Don't you remember President Obama spoke to the J-Street audience and stated that he would include the organization's input within the peace process negotiations of which the White House will give an ear? On the one side we have AIPAC and on the other J-Street. So, indirectly, the delegation's rejection is a rejection of the U.S. platform of engagement and inclusion with regards to the peace process.

Looks like Ayalon is actually lobbying for Brian Baird's push to resolve the Siege of Gaza. Ayalon may have just lobbied another vote or two or three for the resolution. Keep this guy and Lieberman. They are opening American Congressional eyes.

Israel is perfectly right to snub JStreet. Unfortunately, LIeberman and Ayalon are so awful at their jobs that they will force even Israel's friends into the arms of groups like JStreet. But Israelis don't care. They're immune to it.

Well, he could have seated the delegation on very low chairs, perhaps hassocks . That would have taught them a lesson in Israeli diplomacy :) :) Amused

My Great Grandmother who was a Holocaust survivor used to say "Show me who your friends are, and it will show you who you are." That being said. J-Street is (despite their claims)not a friend of Israel. I am a Jewish person in America and J-Street does not speak for me.

The message is sent and appropriately so--"Align yourselves with Jstreet and you have no ear in Israel". I applaude Ayalon's courage. And also, this congressman has no right to complain--where was he when Obama attempted to humiliate the PM by forcing him to arrive at night, enter the WH in a side dorr with no reception,and then refused to acknowledge him and schedule meetings upon his next trip to DC. Obama has done this and noone called it down. It is perposterous that US Dems thik they can waltz around Israel with an Arab funded group and make any sort of demands upon Israel. Ayalon is absolutely correct in his handling of this.

you should convince the couple Lieberman-Ayalon to immigrate to BRAZIL and settle somewhere in the Amazon forest well hidden.

This is simple inadmissible. Any worker that shames his country should be fired. This is a case in point. He is behaving politically talking to his constituency.However at the same time he inflicts terrible damage to Israel foreign service.

1. I wonder an experinced politician believes what he read in newspaper. @. as experienced poiitician he should have done his homework re: A- J Street and Gov't of Israel view of it and B. Contacted FM office FIRST about having an audience rather than just dropping in on a nation expecting FM officers to drop all and talk with him. Kind of like uninvited visitors to a home. CALL FIRST. Visits arrangements most always made in ADVANCE. Last I do not believe his "surprise" at treatment in connection with J Street. This has been known for months already- who is he kidding ?

Just do be polite his description will be not smart , not clever, not sophisticated. Huge embarassement for Israel. He should work as a municipal clerk at Yeruham. My aplogy for for yerucham residents.

Ayalon is finally doing his job - representing Israel and refusing to bow to the anti-Israel trash in America. J Street and the trash they represent are finally getting the recognition they deserve - none. The J-Street big-ego, big-checkbook self-hating fools who bow to Arabs are not welcome in this country. And if Obama wants to embargo arms to Israel, we most certainly do not need American "aid".

IT'S OBVIOUS!! It's been obvious for over a hundred years.

J Street is NOT a pro-Israel group. It's about time congressmen start getting that message. Unfortunately my representative has been wooed by the lobby as well and since his activities and votes have become more and more anti-Israel. Although there is little hope of change, we will be voting against him in the next primaries. As far as losing support... Congressmen who come with J Street aren't going to give any support anyway. If there was any hope for deeper understanding, it'll be killed by J Street's presentations.

Only in a government totally divorced from reality would he keep his job.

Ayalon may have another reason Haaretz missed or ignored. Delahunt was the primary signature with several other US Congressman to Pres Obama last year asking the Pres. to force Egypt and Israel to open the Gazan border unconditionally. Specifically they asked Obama to get into Gaza items that he surely know would help Hamas' military effort. THERE WAS NO MENTION OF Shalit either. He could care less, but getting fuel and engine parts there that HAmas could confiscate was important to this J Street supporter!

... and serially interrogate him about his sentiments for Israel's most significant $$$-provider...

Yonah, There are many Jews in the diaspora like me who are solidly pro-Israel and solidly anti-settlement. We do not crave your approval or your respect, and we are not going away.

It's already understood that such groups as J-Street and Peace Now, etc. are not only legitimate representation of the Jewish community, in Israel and the Diaspora - and in fact, have been the very catalyst of changing positive developments with the peace process - that the current Israeli government officials fear any affirmation of the liberal sociopolitical stance. It's obvious that the liberal voices within Israel and abroad have enhanced the momentum towards reconciliation with the Arab World and the members of the Netanyahu government won't ever admit their failures in the past and present which has stagnated the process. So who to blame or not give any credence, but those who have tirelessly taken bold measures in improving relations with Israel's adversaries. Such aims in detachment of a significant sector within the Jewish community does not spell longevity for the existing Netanyahu coalition - besides the overwhelming liberal (Reform) monetary input Israel receives.

The next thing we'll hear about is your calling to boycot the USA and of cours refusing an invitation to the white house

Avigdor Lieberman is the best FM Israel could have.

Snubbing a U.S. Congressman? How stupid can you be? Even if you disagree with him, you afford him courtesy and you politely try to change his opinion if that's what you'd like to do. As I recall, it is not Israel that gives the U.S. 3 billion a year but the other way around. Treating a congressional delegation with disrespect is swaggering ineptitude. Perhaps that's a requirement for being a right winger, but it makes for lousy diplomacy.

Good for Ayalon. The liars from J-Street deserve to be snubbed. They are about as pro-Israel as Hezbollah and Hamas.

Deputy FM Ayalon is not rejecting the US Congressmen. He is rejecting the Trojan Horse in which they are arriving. There is nothing pro-Israel about J Street other than its misleading, and oft dropped, slogan "Pro Israel".. Everything this organization espouses is against Israel's security interests and flies in the face of the majority of Israeli public opinion. One call can call black white, and night day, but this does not alter the reality. Surely if these congresspeople were to come as individuals or on an AIPAC mission they would be welcomed with open arms. But by allowing them to be used by J Street they would be unwitting accomplices to legitimizing the most dangerous phenomenon that threatens and undermined Israeli security and legitimacy.

... it's embarrassing to see his facial expressions... what is he doing in the foreign office, of all places...?!

J Street is nothing more than a new tool of the politically incorrect, trying to play bigname politics so that its leaders can pretend they are having some "influence". What they are really doing is being a tool for the Palestinian propaganda machine. Some talkbacker showed their website page about settlements, where J Street claimed "settlements" have drained Israel's economy and our military. With lying politically incorrect statements like this, one wonders what other wool J Street is trying to pull over American leaders' eyes.

... someone should check him and stop him... but apparently that won't be his immediate boss... Bibi urgently needs to step in here, and put this man in his place... he certainly can't be relied upon for fostering relations with the USA, our main ally...

Thank you for showing to the world the real face of Israel and in the mean time please but please bite the hand that feeds you and gives thousands of dollars to every man, woman and child in Israel.

JStreet is anti-Israel and is working with the Arab appeasers to delegitimize Israel. Anyone traveling with them is supportive of the same agenda. An agenda directed at pressuring Israel to delegitimize itself.

Israel's government is like a spiteful child caught bullying smaller kids, then blames everyone else for its fights. Keep up the great work Lieberman, because Israel is losing friends left and right.

He isn't the sharpest card in Israel's deck, but staying away from J-Street, NIF and Rep. Delahunt (and his pro-Gaza resolutions) is the right thing to do. J-Street is not a bonafide Jewish organization representing US Jews, it is a fake jewish organization, a creation of the Democratic National Committee, formed by them to bypass the actual leadership of the US Jewish community, and Orthodox Jews especially, who the Obama crowd hates. J-Street is closely linked with NIF, shares funding with it, and with the recent expose' on what New Israel Fund really seeks (a "New" Israel, meaning non-Jewish), there is no excuse for dealing with any of these people. It may be that "even a broken watch tells the correct time twice a day", but in this case, Ayalon has it right.

Although Ayalon's behaviour is typically stupid and rude, the incident provides a valuable lesson for Democrat-voting American Jews on the hatred of current Israeli Govt members for full discussion of the problems facing the country. Further, for too long the in the US the "don't ever criticise Israel" rule has been rigidly enforced by groups such as AIPAC. That J. Street is pro-Israel, but opposed to the worst excesses of Zionisn, is one of the best things to happen in US/Israel relations for some time. So, thank you Ayalon for showing your true colours and giving J. Street such a potential popularity boost.

Ayalon is right in not meeting with anti-Israel elements. Those dark forces can go to Hell. They are stooges of Islamist-Jihadism and AntiSemitism. Why should Israel be meeting with anti-Israel elements?

Well if Lieberman can claim that the Mossad operation in Dubai was carried out by foreign spies to discredit Israel, what about Ayalon? He's doing an even better job of discrediting Israel than Mossad, and as somebody else has pointed out here, that Ayalon hair dye is pretty suspicious. What's the betting Ayalon's carrying a fake UK passport?!

Delahunt is an extreme leftist who goes to visit chavez in venezuela and you can see pictures of delahunt with chavez. Delahunt is very unpopular and reports are he won't be running for re-election. Chavez media is extremely anti semitic and for delahunt to be buddies with him shows how far left he is.

Delahunt in 1986 relased amy bishop who killed her brother. The police were against it. Bishop's mother was wired into democratic circles and was a friend of delahunt. Bishop is the killer in alabama who killed three. For three days Delahunt has said he can't be reached because he is in jerusalem. Reporters in the u.s have been calling his spokesman and keep getting the same response he is unavailable. But it is amazing that delahunt has time for this. delahunt is also friends with hugo chavez and you can see pictures of them together. Real friend of israel delahunt.

Look who supports J Street financially. They are wealthy, non-religious Jews who are given indirect financial gain by their support. Take Shamrock, Inc.'s current president. He is a moderate Republican, Jewish in name, directs large investment sums, including some money to Israeli investment schemes by Southern California money types. He wants to put Orthodox Jewish women to work assembling computer breadboards and his 'organization' calls them paracites on society. J Street is full of such persons and liberal fools who think this group is the solution to their inability to put forth an agenda thru APAC. They are not anti-Israeli, just foolish; they see the world as they are, not as it is, and is a rough world outside the USA. Israel lives in a tough neighborhood, not Long Island.

Completely agree with Ayalon. J-Street is no friend of Israel. It should change its name to A-Street, cause it is closer to the Arab view.

... for all those who want to see Israel as a pariah among the nations.

Although Oren has treated J Street unneccessarily and foolishly shabby, his being booed in CA had nothing to do with the pro-Israel org.

Israel's foreign office is giving a new meaning to the word diplomacy.

J-Street is not welcome in Israel and neither. Simple pressure tactic from J-Street.

(continued) that there is more than one way of ensuring Israel's safety, whilst at the same time making peace with its neighbours. I happen to believe passionately that the way things are headed, very soon Israel will lose all support from the outside world including those Jewish supporters and friends who are already finding the going tough in the USA UK and elsewhere. I have never followed politics in the UK,just being part of the country and not being aware of myself as a minority there. Now ,not only are my friends in UK experiencing problems,but I increasingly find myself sidelined and shouted down as a new Israeli citizen. Lets have more open discussion,more free speech, and less surmise,rumour,and ghetto mentality.Oh, and better PR and representation in the outside world , I saw Oren being shoutewd down on campus on youtube.Being ignored by one's OWN is far worse. LISTEN!!!!

This guy is starting to upstage him in ridiculous statements and actions.

As it is unthinkable that Mr. Ayalon would refuse to meet American law makers without instructions from the highest reaches of the Foreign Ministry, it is clear that he was told not to meet the Americans by our brilliant Foreign Minister, unless the order originated from our even more brilliant Prime Minister. Someone has been perusing "How to Make Friends and Influence People".

It troubles me greatly that Israeli politicians,and its right wing supporters take this attitude.We all contributed to Israel in the UK for many years.When a friend decided not to contribute one year in the early 80's because he did not agree with the politics at that time,he was shunned by those of the community who did agree,His business suffered. In other words the diaspora was expected to contribute AND AGREE with everything that Israel did without question.What was NOT taken into consideration was that Israel's actions have a direct repercussion on Jews all over the world.(Just as many Muslems suffer because of their extreme element and we criticize them for not being as vocal as we would like) So, many years down the line,when we all know about trouble on campuses,antsemitic acts etc some people in the US and elsewhere have decided'enough is enough!'They wish to express their ideas .They desire peace for Israel with its neighbours, and happen to believe that there is more than o

Kudos to Danny Ayalon. J Street wants to use the US government to pressure Israelis into positions they do not support. If J Street can't get access to Israeli government officials its position will be weakened in Washington. Until it adopts the policy of respecting Israeli democracy instead of imposing its political agenda from overseas it should be boycotted by Israeli leaders.

Ayalon is an expert at how to alienate allies. Netanyahu is also up to his old tricks again, ordering assasinations in moderate Arab countries. I don't think Dubai will be in a rush to normalise relations now!

but they should at least have the balls to say so.

One of the issues that JStreet has been associated with is the uproar that disrupted Michael Oren's speech in California. Several students have said they were paid by JStreet to attend and disrupt the speech. Not all of those who tried to prevent him from speaking were members of the Muslim student associations.

Never has a country in so much trouble had a foreign ministry led by persons more stupid. Lieberman the yenta virtually admits that Shin Bet committed murder in Dubai, and now Ayalon, in his never ending campaign to piss off every friend Israel has won't see American legislators. If Jews are so smart how did these buffoons wind up in positions of so much importance. Even without real power they manage to be dangerous. I'd say make them ambassadors to Bhutan or something like that but they would find a way even there to do the only thing they excel at: make Israel look awful in the eyes of the world.

J Street is a joke and represent Jewish apologists who have no real application to Israel or at least no more application than the extreme left/right in this country do. I'd be like going to the US congress and expecting your Joe Biden or Obama to also meet with members of Greenpeace. it just won't happen. So stop wasting your time and our time with this Jstreet nonsense.

....of Israel and the Jewish people all over the world. 100'000 David Dukes couldn't do a better job in that regard, very "well" done, Israeli voter, indeed....

J-street is anti-Zionist, and therefore Israel treats anyone who comes here via J-Street just like Israel treats J-Street itself; as persona non grata. If they want to have a relationship with us (and we would like that), it will not be in conjunction with the anti-Zionist J-Street.

Talk about biting the hand that feeds you! Not to mention stupid- J street is a Jewish organization that is gaining momentum in the states- to ignore them is foolish, particularly bc J Street SUPPORTS ISRAEL!!!

Lieberman and Ayalon are destroying Israel. Zionists my ass.

Lieberman and Ayalon have become embarrassments to the Israeli government. They both behave like a couple of playground bullies. If BiBi wants there to be any real progress toward peace in the ME, he would boot these two and get some qualified people who know what the word "diplomacy" means to replace them!

Ayalon strikes again...Israel- if this is how you treat US government officials...I trust they'll remember how they were treated when it's time to approve that next $3,000,000,000 donation that Congress sends to Israel every year.

J Street is a zionist organization that supports a two state solution and peaceful resolutions. Read its website. Ayalon, like Ambassador Oren in DC, are both short-sighted fools.

... makes his billions by attacking weak currencies of nations in financial difficulty. In backing Obama he made billions knowing the US dollar would decline. It was created as a political jewsh front to support Obama to election and to agree with Obama's anti Israel policies. Basically,in my opinion, they are prostitutes and Kapos who like Soros seek to gain from the losses of others. Ayalon is not cool and sophisticated like the Jstreet "jews" but he presents himself honestly.

eaver hear the statement "don't bite the hand that feeds you"? you just took a nip out of the hand as far as this american jew feels is that you don't do that to american politicians clearly your government is bing run by political novices & fools

at a time when israel's image is already suffering, why does this guy still have a job?

I mean what would you expect from a moron, among many more who leading the Israeli Foreign ministry.

This newly arranged , know-everything , to be politically correct-yearning , having very little real knowledge and much less understanding of what really Israel is facing in today's ME ,wants to dictate Israel how to survive those immance challenges . A chutzpa ? It is more , it could cost lives .

Who are supported and funded by the Pro Cuban Obama.

Anyone who follows the Israeli right knows that J-Street is just an Arab Terrorist Front Organization. Anyone with a brain knows that isn't true, but for guys like Ayalon truth is always trumped by ideology. Netanyahu made Lieberman Foreign Minister, and that proves that Netanyahu puts political power before the best interests of Israel.

Your anti-social tactics are juvenile. Get back in the closet and don't embarress Israel further. Salaam/Shalom

Who'll save Israel from this government? They seem determined to give maxiumum offence to every ally they can find.