One option that wasn't mentioned (yet) was AF/KL which the FO seems to have an account with. AF has followed AZ and LH and moved Israel to Europe (figuratively), so it only takes 30,000 miles to Europe and 50,000 to the US RT.

I hate going on the 05:00 LH flight and avoid it as much as possible - AF has more normal times 08:15 and I think that ST has the most departures from TLV of any alliance. And, all ST flights count for status (and not as mentioned previously). Platinum is attained for 70,000 miles.

The AF 320s are no bargain though - equally uncomfortable in Y and J. And KL doesn't have any movies for their 5 hour flight which is really cruel and unusual IMHO (unless you're in J and then you get a digiplayer). I hate the actual flights to/from TLV although the food on AF out of CDG tends to be pretty good.

IMHO, if you tend to take economy, AFKL is the way to go - each award mile is x2 while status is x1. For business, LH is better - as a FTL or Senator (35,000 *S / 100,000 *G) you get x2.25 for both award and status miles (ST gives x2.5 award but only x1.5 status).

Anyhow, whatever you choose, welcome back home!