Opinion
Israel a battered wife?
Yoaz Hendel
Published: 08.07.11, 12:11
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59 Talkbacks for this article
1. Not Israelis, Israeli Government - Israelis perfer Greece
Eric ,   Tel Aviv & NY   (07.08.11)
Not Israelis, Israeli Government Israelis do not forgive as fast as our political leaders. Barak wanted to cave in, apologize and pay them off almost as soon as the flotilla incident happened. Israelis are still not returning to Turkish resorts and Turkey is suffering from the loss of business. Lets keep supporting Greece with our business as they are supporting us with the flotilla.
2. Erdogan has been so nasty to Israel
Rachel ,   US   (07.08.11)
Stop being so desperate to be "friends" with those who obviously do not want to be your friend. Learn to walk away and be ok with it.
3. "It's the economy, stupid"
David, Raanana ,   Israel   (07.08.11)
4. Don't go to Turkey.
(07.08.11)
Let me say it again. Don't go to Turkey, don't buy anything that was made in Turkey or imported from Turkey (I complained -- loudly and at length -- to the manager of our local supermarket and got Turkish sugar and canned foods taken off the shelves), don't fly Turkish Air. Don't put a single dime in Turkish coffers. I think that covers it. If I have forgotten anything, let me know.
5. battered wife
alexi   (07.08.11)
no, turkey is big and important and israel would like old relations restored. some in israel don't mind humiliating the country to get erdgoan to falsely say relations are good when in fact he hates israel like hamas. Barak in particular has no problem making dishonorable concessions in this regard as does herzog, livni and others in kadima, a gutless rump without sharon. Was it not shmolmert who used erdgoan as a trusted intermediary with syria??!! Only liberman blocked barak and perhaps bibi in their rush to curry favour. In fact, the idea of conceding bodies of terrorists with shalit rotting in prison is more of the same. This the jewish gene of subservience rearing its head and its main expressors are barak, livni and herzog.
6. Good point Mr. Hendel!
David ,   Karmiel, Israel   (07.08.11)
As ABBA sand "Money, Money, Money don't be funny. It's a rich man's world"! What is disgusting is that Israel owned Hoglah - Kimberley, makers of Huggies, are producing a second grade diaper (nappy) which is being sold in Israel! (Channel 2 Savings Program last night). Also supermarkets are selling Turkish fresh fruit juices (imported by Neto) and dried fruit. It appears that Israelis have very little self respect!
7. I hope the Israeli public
IlanaB   (07.08.11)
will not forget. I am pissed that our government sucks up to Turkey.
8. Trade is the broker money is the quest or the love of money.
Bad assed Jew. ,   United States   (07.08.11)
time will tell whether or not the talks so well but, insults at the expense of a great democratic nation as Israel must end and Erdogen, in fact, owes an apology to Israel. Besides all that, what is perhaps more important, is that, both nations resume peaceful talks rather than insulting public remarks. As for Turkey's tourism trade, I, as an American wouldn't go there if you paid me and, I wouldn't spend a dime on those who aggressively planned a great harm and insult on Israel. We Americans are allies of Israel we don't support those who pay IHH terrorists- Turkey. Erdogen used Israel to whip while trying to become the new arab leader hero. ( I can't think of one, can you )?)
9. Israel, the international Wife Beater, in Denial
Steve Benassi ,   Silver Bay, MN USA   (07.08.11)
Israel killed 9 flotilla passengers, Turkey killed 0. Blaming Turkey for these deaths is like a Husband blaming his Wife for making him beat her.
10. Israel-Turkey-relations
SomeTurk ,   Germany   (07.08.11)
I really wonder what all the fuss is about. I only recently began reading on this site and I wonder why there are several turkey - articles every day. If Israelis think they were right in killing nine supposed (unarmed?) terrorists, then say so (and keep to it!) instead of holding talks about a "reconciliation"; even if the result is the end of relations with Turkey. But what is it that drives Israel to these attempts at restoring relations? If Israelis couldn't care less, why are they trying to? Why that ominous congratulations - letter to Erdogan? Is it because Greece - a country about to collapse economically and robbed of its sovereignity - isn't all that great an alternative? Would it be a great idea to make Turkey's enemies (Greece, Bulgaria, Armenia etc.) allies of Israel? Is it a great idea for Israel to "surround" Turkey like that and add Turkey to the long list of its enemies? You really think Israelis need to boycott Turkey? Go vacate elsewehere? Israeli tourist numbers to Turkey have already dropped 60 % and Turkey did not collapse. In fact, turkish economy is dangerously overheating. Erdogan is a very proud person. He will never tale back his demands - I am not saying he is right or wrong, but that is simply a fact. If he gives in, he will be heavily damaged domestically. Israel is very proud, too - but the question is, who needs who more. The UN report may sound like it is mostly exonerating Israel, but this will not convince the Turks and they are the ones Israel seems to seek relations to - not the UN. If you can't convince Turkey, then you will have to simply apologize - or - abandon the relations for good and move on with your lives. Turks will certainly be able to deal with zero - relations with Israel. In fact, relations with Israel do not play a central role in the Turkish public and media (as far as I can tell), I suggest the Israelis do the same and move on... Just my opinion.
11. To: No. 4
Sarah B ,   U.S.A. / Israel   (07.08.11)
Don't eat Turkish taffy?
12. Please ...
Sarah B ,   U.S.A. / Israel   (07.08.11)
Turkey is toast. It is the strongest (perhaps only) ally of Iran, which has not endeared Turkey to the West at all. Turkey used to have a thriving shipping industry, but its seven largest shipping companies -- including the once-thought-to-be-invincible Marvel -- are in imposed bankruptcy (what in the United States is called a Chapter 7 liquidation). The ports of Mersin and Iskenderun used to be major drydocking (rehabbing of ocean-going cargo carriers) centers, but Turkey has lost 90% of that work to Eastern Europe and the Far East. There is absolutely no benefit to befriending Turkey. Israel would be well-advised to take off the kid gloves, and pound them. Relentlessly. The Palmer Commission should be utilized to the fullest extent possible. It is a clear vindication of Israel. We don't get very many of those, so it's important to take advantage of them when they do happen. I think that Israel should use the Palmer Commission Report to demand an apology and damages from Turkey! By the way, there is every indication that NATO is going to remove Turkey. When that happens, Turkey will lose all those lucrative NATO bases. Like I said .... Turkey -- always the "sick man of Europe" -- is toast. Circling the bowl.
13. Israel's govt. excels at playing the battered spouse.
Chaim ,   Israel   (07.08.11)
Hendel is right on target. However, the Turks are far from the only batterers Israel's government submissively begs for approval. Neither Israel nor any Israeli P.M. has ever been treated with the contempt Obama dishes out to Israel. Yet many Israeli leaders still pretend Obama is our friend. Just like the manipulative abuser he is; Obama pretends to be lovey dovey towards Israel when he wants Jewish money and votes. It's absolutely nauseating! Israel's government excels at playing the battered spouse. One columnist called it "Battered Nation Syndrome". If it was up to the Israeli public, Israeli affairs would be conducted with infinitely greater dignity and self respect.
14. And today you still find those dumb
Eric.... ,   Israel.....   (07.08.11)
Israelis who want a cheap holiday in Turkey.Those with a little pride please do not go .There are other places too go.The Turks preach hate violence and burn our flag.
15. # 4 Turkey
J.K. ,   Brooklyn USA   (07.08.11)
I read that since erdogan started a political war against Israel,trade between the 2 countries increased,so,the message to turkey should be,continue to hate Israel,but buy Israeli products,and pay on time.
16. I am curious, did Israel ever demand appology from Turkey?
leo ,   usa   (07.08.11)
It seems to be in order and especially in light of Palmer report.
17. The Greeks like Israelis
David ,   Los Angeles   (07.08.11)
I have been to Greece, and I have met Greeks here in California, from my experiences I think they really admire Israel. One of them told me that when there were forest fires in Greece, Israelis were the first to come help them. The Greeks also tell me, "Don't worry, nobody likes the Turks anyways." He was right. The Greeks and the Serbs are our real friends.
18. well said rachel
Anton ,   istanbul turkey   (07.08.11)
and i agree with author
19. It's Turkey that should apoligize
Zev ,   Israel   (07.08.11)
Unitil then we don't have to talk turkey.
20. #7 IlanaB: Have a look at your local Mega or Shupersal!
Dav id ,   Karmiel, Israel   (07.08.11)
Lot's of Turkish products and the management just doesn't seem to care!
21. #4: You were lucky!
David ,   Karmiel, Israel   (07.08.11)
The Managers at Mega ans Shufersal did nothing except smile at me as if I was crazy! Maybe Nchi Dunker (IDB) should show a little more patriotism and give his Shufersal managers "new" instructions regarding Turkish goods.
22. Is Obama why?
Ehoop ,   UK   (07.08.11)
Yoaz Hendel is right, and Erdogan's demanding an apology from Israel, i.e. an admission of Israeli guilt as regards the Mavi Marmara casualties, when it is he who should apologise for the IHH's violence is a timely reminder of how deep is the gulf between Erdogan's ego and motivations and any genuine desire to resurrect relations between the two states. It is Obama who wants Erdogan to "mediate" between Israel and the Palestinians so that he can withdraw from that role pre-election. Hopefully Netanyahu will again find the courage to stand his ground.
23. who forgets?
itay ,   reut, israel   (07.08.11)
maybe the government, not me. never been to turkey, if i had any intention going there it is gone long time ago (no matter how beautiful a place is, and im sure turkey has alot to offer, self and national pride are more important), i also dont want to buy anything from them. i hope more will do the same.
24. Islamist Turkey OUT of NATO, asap!
Jerry ,   The Netherlands   (07.08.11)
25. So many lies..so little time
Mikesailor ,   Miami, FL   (07.08.11)
This is truly a farce. The Turks are responsible for the violence on the flotilla? I seem to remember that it was the Israelis who fired first, boarded the ship, and executed 8 Turkish citizens and one Turkish-American in international waters. The IDF has still not provided all of the footage shot by the flotilla members, unedited and unexpurgated to either the Israeli public nor to the world. Why not? What are they hiding? Instead we are once again regaled with Israeli propaganda masquerading as a news column. Why hasn't Hendel, or any other Israeli columnist or media outlet, demanded the release of all of the footage? Apparently writing fiction is far more interesting than delving for truth.
26. #25 Resident expert of lying
Gee ,   Zikron Yaakov   (07.08.11)
Wet cur lies everytime he writes anything. I wish that they had killed every single person on that terrorist support ship and that you had enough guts to put your worthless life on the line and see how afraid we are. Cowards like you whine from afar and haven't the courage to stand up for anything.
27. #25 mikesailor
solomon ,   bklyn   (07.08.11)
You have already been answered on another TB. If there is more footage, which most doubt, it is unnecessary, given the unedited, unexpurgated footage already shown. This shows that the "activist" terrorists attacked with iron bars and knives first. (Could you withstand such an attack? Of course you'll say 'yes'). The Palmer report shows that facts prove you wrong. And the fact that you repeat the cabal about "international waters" while ignoring that Israel's actions were legal "ACCORDING TO INTERNATIONAL LAW", shows your blindness. Get a life, while you look for another TB at which to again post this garbage. The lies are your own.
28. To: No. 25
Sarah B ,   U.S.A. / Israel   (07.08.11)
As the Palmer Commission Report states, Israel's maritime blockade of the Gaza Strip is fully legal. That means that any attempt to breach said blockade is a hostile act, and Israel has every right to act to prevent such a breach -- including the use of deadly force. Turkey should be grateful that the Israeli Navy didn't send a missile amidships.
29. Agree 10000%. Israel release the study! why save erdogan
Yair ,   Israel   (07.08.11)
from his terrorist sympathies. Fool me once shame on me, fool me twice, thats shame on me. Get a CLUE LEFTISTS
30. Some Turk, #10: I totally agree with you.
Israeli 2   (07.09.11)
The "problem" is that Israelis are by nature (genetics) a peace seeking people, especially with our neighbors. Our neighbors know that Israel can take the entire Middle East on militarily and defeat them easily on their own, but that is NOT what Israel seeks. It seeks true and genuine peace. Erdoganis constantly humbled by Israel. He must learn to do a lot more.
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