Not too long after he censured Turkish Ambassador to Israel Oguz Celikkol, Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon found himself explaining his actions, stating he in no way sought to embarrass the Turkish official.

Ayalon’s meeting with the ambassador made front page headlines at home, showing the ambassador seated on a relatively low sofa while Ayalon was at his side, considerably higher chair. The media had a field day with the photo-op, which was interpreted as a calculated move intended to put the ambassador in his place for his country’s harsh anti-Israel remarks.

To his credit, Ayalon refused to issue a formal apology, but he did clarify his actions, explaining he was compelled to censure the ambassador due to the incident, additional Turkish assaults against Israel and the IDF.

Ayalon added the move was planned and in the confines of acceptable diplomatic behavior, adding Turkey should apologize for the distasteful and offensive remarks and actions.

In the meantime, Defense Minister Ehud Barak is scheduled to visit Turkey on Sunday. Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman is reportedly working to effect a change in Barak’s plans, seeking to cancel the meeting in light of Turkey’s ongoing unacceptable behavior towards Israel.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)