Israel’s deputy ambassador in the UK has been appointed to the key diplomatic role of new Israeli envoy to Turkey, as the two former regional allies seek to improve relations.
Eitan Na’eh, who is been deputy head of mission at the embassy in London, will be Israel’s first ambassador to Turkey for six years.
A native of Haifa, he joined Israel’s Foreign Ministry in 1991 and specialized in Turkish affairs. He was posted to Ankara in 1993, where he served as Second and later First Secretary.
He also served as deputy consul general for press and information at the Israeli consulate in Chciago and later as head o f the Turkish, Greek, and Cyprus desk in Jerusalem.
WATCH: Deputy Ambassador Eitan Na’eh speaking at CUFI-UK launch:
Eitan Na’eh at the CUFI UK Launch EventWATCH the fourth of our Launch Event speeches from 20 June.
4/5: Deputy Ambasador Eitan Na’eh on “The Importance of Christian Support for Israel”
#Israel #CUFI #standwithIsrael
Posted by Christians United for Israel – UK on Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expelled the Israeli ambassador in 2010 after nine Turkish citizens were killed when Israeli commandos raided the Mavi Marmara, part of a flotilla that was attempting to reach Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said this summer that reconciliation with Turkey was “of strategic importance” for the country, adding: “The rift between us didn’t benefit our shared interests and prevented us from cooperating on important things.” Both share a border with Syria, and are keen to see that violence and extremism do not spill over.
In London, Ambassador Mark Regev said, “London’s loss will be Ankara’s gain; I wish Ambassador Na’eh success in his new role”.
Sources: i24News/JewishNews
