In an amazing move, Danny Ayalon, a former Israel ambassador to the United States and Dov Weisglass, a former director-general of the Prime Minister’s Office, are in Washington, acting as high-level lobbyists to advance the agenda of the Turkish government.

It should be remembered that Turkey was among the most outspoken critics of Israel during Operation Cast Lead, seeking to cut ties and enlist international condemnation against Israel. Foreign Ministry officials in Israel are angered, stating just that, especially at a time when Israel is combating so much international pressure stemming from the Gaza War.

Ministry officials point out that Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan was vehement in his opposition to Israel and support for Hamas, expressing his total unwillingness to accept Israel’s legitimate right to launch the counter-terrorism offensive after eight years of rocket attacks into southern Israel. Erdogan even called for ousting Israel from the United Nations, yet the two senior officials do not appear troubled to be representing Turkey’s interests in the USA now.

Weisglass and Ayalon reject the criticism, stating the decision to act on Turkey’s behalf was made long before Operation Cast Lead. Ayalon added that prior leaving to America, the matter was discussed with officials in the Prime Minister’s Office who state there is no problem whatsoever with their accepting the job on behalf of Turkey.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)