Update: We finally pulled the trigger. We are flying JFK -- MAD, MAD -- TLV. Both ways. All legs in IB. It worked out best in terms of scheduling and in terms of price (although we will have a bit of a long layover in the Velazquez Lounge in MAD, but my husband not only doesn't seem to mind, he prefers it, so there you go). Now to decide on hotels in Israel, but the is for a different thread.

Many thanks to all of you who gave me the specific information necessary to make the decision. I cannot stress enough how valuable this place is.