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(PressTV/AP) — Ayalon called in the Turkish ambassador earlier this week to reprimand him over a TV program that showed Israeli agents kidnapping children and shooting old men. He was forced to apologize after Turkey threatened to summon its ambassador home.
He seated Turkish Ambassador Ahmet Oguz Celikkol on a sofa lower than his own chair and wouldn’t shake his hand in televised images of the meeting.
Israel's diplomatic flap with Turkey grows. (Photo: Globe and Mail)
Ayalon told Channel 2 TV Saturday that his intent was not to humiliate Celikkol. Still, he said Israel was right to make it clear to the Turks that there would be a “price tag” for what he said amounted to trampling upon the dignity of the Jewish state.
Asked what Israel would do if another objectionable TV segment were shown, Ayalon replied, “Maybe we would summon the ambassador; maybe we would expel their ambassador.”
(Jerusalem Post) – Ayalon was recorded telling the cameramen to film Celikkol sitting on the lower sofa, and to note that they did not shake hands, there were no refreshments served, and only the Israeli flag was on the table. He said the intention was for pictures to be released without sound.
“The picture was intended for the Turks who for a year and half did not hear any harsh words [from Israel for their criticism],” Ayalon said.
“The idea was to raise the bar a bit, which the picture would do. If it would have gone as planned, it would have been ok,” he said.
“The set up was excellent, everything else is a mishap that I take responsibility for.”
West Bank settlers use ‘price tag’ tactic to punish Palestinians
(TimesOnline) – Not all settler leaders agree with the “price tag” as a tactic. Daniella Weiss, a leader from Qedumim, said that it had diverted settlers from what she considered to be their priority: setting up more caravans and tents to lay claim to ever more hilltops.
Many of the settlers agreed. “My issue is to settle the land of Israel. If they evacuate an outpost I’ll go and build another,” said Yishai Gilad, a 19-year-old from Qedumim who is a member of the Youth for the Land of Israel movement. He lives in Shvut Ami, across from the burnt olive orchards.
Mr Gilad spoke while he and his comrades were tidying up and moving back into the cave that they had dug on the hill. “It’s not a war, it’s our right,” he said, brushing aside the issue of what might happen to the Palestinians if his movement succeeds in settling the land.
“It’s not my problem, it’s not something I have to solve. This is a land that was promised by God, that’s all I know,” he added.
"But I will not let myself be reduced to silence."