Israel sends new Chargé d’Affaires to Turkey amid regional tensions

Dr. Joel Lion has been appointed as the new chargé d'affaires at the Israeli Embassy in Turkey, the Foreign Ministry announced on Wednesday.

Lion arrived at the Turkish Foreign Ministry on Wednesday to receive his accreditation.

Lion previously served as the resident ambassador to Moldova and then as the non-resident ambassador to Armenia.

The appointment comes while the Israeli Embassy in Ankara remains closed for security reasons, an arrangement agreed upon by both sides.

srael's previous ambassador, Irit Lillian, retired in July, leaving the post vacant.

The new appointment comes just weeks after a serious military escalation in northern Syria strained relations between Israel and Turkey.