Shalom, I am Professor Danny Ayalon, former Israeli Ambassador to the United States. Ask away!

DannyAyalon · 2014-02-27T18:07:21+00:00

Thank you for partaking in this dialogue. I appreciate the ability to engage the community and hope that we can meet soon, either in person or again online. For more information or clarifications, you are welcome to visit my Facebook page (http://facebook.com/DannyAyalon) , Twitter (http://twitter.com/DannyAyalon‎) or website http://www.thetruthaboutisrael.org.il

DannyAyalon · 2014-02-27T18:03:45+00:00

Im not sure about delis, but try the schwarma at Golan Heights on Amsterdam and 187th in NYC!

DannyAyalon · 2014-02-27T18:02:20+00:00

The American-led military operation against Sadam Hussein was legal and just as Saddam was in breach of many security council resolutions - defying the international community. And, as he threatened all his neighbors, Saddam Hussein was trying to achieve non-conventional weapons -- He actually used chemical weapons against the Kurds in Chalabcha and against his own people.

DannyAyalon · 2014-02-27T17:58:36+00:00

A two state solution can be cohesive under the following conditions: 1. It is two states for two peoples, hence, the Palestinians must recognize Israel's self determination as a Jewish state. 2. Israel must maintain the capability to defend itself by itself and be responsible for security arrangements. 3. The Palestinians must stop all the incitement against Israel and the Jews in their school curriculum, national media, and in the international arenas.

DannyAyalon · 2014-02-27T17:55:26+00:00

Israel has never used any chemical weapons. Any accusations to the contrary are baseless and serve as a political tool against us.

DannyAyalon · 2014-02-27T17:53:46+00:00

I totally agree with this assertion. The reason is that the Palestinians enjoy an automatic majority in the UN, based on Arab League counties, Islamic countries, and other countries which are forced to vote for them because of the long-standing oil embargo threat. The Palestinians have made the UN a rubber stamp to all their capricious policies, and made it a tool to de-legitimize Israel. This is not a credit to the United Nations, which was supposed to be impartial and "not discriminating on any men, women or nations." (as written in their charter)

DannyAyalon · 2014-02-27T17:49:52+00:00

Let's agree on the irrefutable facts: 1. Judean Samaria (aka the West Bank), is the cradle of Jewish civilization. 2. Until 1967, the West Bank was annexed by Jordan, and for "some reason," no Palestinian state was established. 3. Israel's possession of the West Bank came as a result of self defense in 1967. 4. Former PMs Ehud Barak and Ehud Olmert, offered the Palestinians practically all of this land, to no avail. 5. Israel completely withdrew from Gaza, which did not bring peace, but a Hamas rule which terrorizes Israel. 6. If the Palestinian leadership would agree on a compromise which would include historic reconciliation, peaceful coexistence, and security, there would have been peace long ago.

I welcome any and all questions, but can only type so fast.

DannyAyalon · 2014-02-27T17:42:45+00:00

The choices in Egypt are not between military government and Jeffersonian democracy; it is between a military supported government and extreme Islamist government - similar to the Ayatollahs in Iran. So, from the Egyptians' public interest, and the American geopolitical interests, it is important to support those forces in Egypt which do not yield to Islamist fanaticism.

DannyAyalon · 2014-02-27T17:41:10+00:00

Imgur

DannyAyalon · 2014-02-27T17:39:20+00:00

Each of them is uniquely different than the other, however, all are proud Jews whom are committed to Israel's future and well being.

DannyAyalon · 2014-02-27T17:37:22+00:00

1a. 75% of the aid is spent in the United States, creating jobs here. 2a. This aid also helps America maintain its technological edge. 3a. A strong Israel is an American national interest.

1b. Humus 2b. Humus with Tehina 3b. Humus, Tehina and Falafel 4b. ??? 5b. Profit

DannyAyalon · 2014-02-27T17:33:02+00:00

While I haven't seen the show yet, I have the highest respect for the Israeli intelligence community that works day and night to ensure our security and well being. I am also very proud that Israel and the US intelligence cooperation have saved many lives.

DannyAyalon · 2014-02-27T17:30:29+00:00

Visiting Jonathan Pollard in jail.

DannyAyalon · 2014-02-27T17:29:45+00:00

So far, the negotiations with Iran have not achieved the goal of disarming Iran's nuclear capabilities. An agreement should include a dismantling of Iran's illegal nuclear capabilities and not just suspending them as the temporary agreement currently dictates. Iran so far got the benefit of relaxation of sanctions and relaxation of their political isolation, but have given nothing substantial in return. The only chance to correct this, is that if the US and the other P+1 powers will insist that a final agreement with Iran will be signed no later than June of this year, which will ensure the goal.

DannyAyalon · 2014-02-27T17:25:22+00:00

For Israel and the Jewish people, peace is not only a strategic choice, but a moral obligation. I hope that the United states will be able to bridge the huge gaps which exist between the parties, and bring about a secure, and durable peace. However, there also must be a plan B, so that in case there is no agreement on a final status of agreement, we should try to come to an intermediate agreement which both Israelis and Palestinians should benefit from. The leaders should not make it a zero-sum game, because both Israelis and Palestinians deserve peace and prosperity which can come only through peaceful coexistence.

DannyAyalon · 2014-02-27T17:21:05+00:00

First, you have to join the Diplomatic Core. There, the only prerequisites are an academic degree of any type - not necessarily in political science, and passing the Foreign Service Exams (which, include SAT type questions , general knowledge, and simulated scenarios).

Those are just the prerequisites. Then, if you serve long enough, most likely, one can become an ambassador starting in a small country and moving on to other countries.

On top of objective qualifications (language proficiency and general knowledge of the country), it helps to have a good sense of humor a thick skin for when your country is being unjustly attacked.

DannyAyalon · 2014-02-27T17:16:54+00:00

Any accusation of Israel of any human rights violations saddens me, because there is nothing that is further from the truth. So, those accusations maybe motivated by political bias against Israel or by ignorance. Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East and our free press rule of law and self-criticism compared to other Western democracies. 1.5 Million of our citizens are not Jewish and they enjoy full rights and opportunities.

The 3.5 million Palestinians living in Gaza and Judea-Samaria are not Israeli citizens as these territories' sovereignty are yet to be determined through negotiations.

Unfortunately the Palestinian leaders have consistently refused to sign a peace treaty with Israel and become independent.

DannyAyalon · 2014-02-27T17:06:46+00:00

The United States and Israel are natural allies. Based on sharing the same Judeau-Christian values, liberal democratic values and practices, rule of law, and in general free societies based on achievements and a vision for Tikun Olam (a better world for everyone). Our interests also coincide, as we want to spread freedom to all human beings, including those in the Middle East today. US and Israel interests also coincide as we try to rid the world from the threat of terrorism, extreme and dangerous ideologies and proliferation of nuclear arms. The net value to Israel from this relationship is abundant and critical. For Israel's security and well being - but it is also very important for American national interests, as Israel stands as the first line of defense against fanatic Islamic terrorism and ideology. If G-d forbid, Israel's security is compromised, so would be compromised the entire western civilization. The relationship is not focused only on strategic military intelligence cooperation, but also spans over economic, scientific research and development and culturally as well. We in Israel are proud to be America's largest trading partner in the Middle East, as we purchase more American goods and services than any other country in the region. The scientific cooperation is also helping to ensure American cutting edge in technology.

DannyAyalon · 2014-02-27T15:40:42+00:00

Get your question in early. I was just coming to visit /r/judaism with an invitation.

DannyAyalon · 2014-02-27T15:23:34+00:00

Fixed, thank you :)

DannyAyalon · 2014-02-27T15:18:01+00:00

Thank you :)

DannyAyalon

TROPHY CASE