When Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon summoned the Turkish Ambassador to rebuke him over a fictional television series, he ensured the Turkish ambassador was seated on a much lower chair, removed the Turkish flag from the table and did not shake his hand or smile.
TV footage widely broadcast by the Israeli media shows him urging journalists to note the Turkish ambassador's low seating position at the meeting.
He is also heard saying in Hebrew that "there is only one flag here" and "we are not smiling".
The incident has been widely seen in Israel as an intentional humiliation.
According to Reuters Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon said "In terms of the diplomatic tactics available, this was the minimum that was warranted.”
One Israeli newspaper marked the height difference on the photo, and captioned it "the height of humiliation".
Intentional humiliation for whom?
Israel or Turkey?
This intentional and stupid behaviour will do nothing more than show the true face of this Israeli government to the world.
When Turkey demanded an apology, the Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister was forced to say "It is not my way to disrespect ambassadors' honour, and "in future I will clarify my position in a diplomatically acceptable manner.”
TV footage widely broadcast by the Israeli media shows him urging journalists to note the Turkish ambassador's low seating position at the meeting.
He is also heard saying in Hebrew that "there is only one flag here" and "we are not smiling".
The incident has been widely seen in Israel as an intentional humiliation.
According to Reuters Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon said "In terms of the diplomatic tactics available, this was the minimum that was warranted.”
One Israeli newspaper marked the height difference on the photo, and captioned it "the height of humiliation".
Intentional humiliation for whom?
Israel or Turkey?
This intentional and stupid behaviour will do nothing more than show the true face of this Israeli government to the world.
When Turkey demanded an apology, the Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister was forced to say "It is not my way to disrespect ambassadors' honour, and "in future I will clarify my position in a diplomatically acceptable manner.”