Italy Rejects Proposed Israeli Ambassador Over Background in Shomron

By Aryeh Stern

The Italian government has officially rejected the appointment of Benny Kashriel, former mayor of Maale Adumim, as Israel’s ambassador to Italy. Consequently, Israel has decided to redirect Kashriel’s diplomatic assignment to Hungary, where approval is anticipated. This move, however, necessitated finding an alternative position for Jonathan Peled, a senior diplomat whose appointment as ambassador to Hungary had already been approved.

One potential resolution involves appointing Peled as the Israeli ambassador to Rome. The rejection by Italian President Sergio Mattarella, despite efforts by President Yitzchak Herzog and the Foreign Ministry to intervene, has led to a diplomatic setback and potential damage to Kashriel’s reputation. Kashriel had withdrawn his candidacy from municipal elections based on the assurance of the ambassadorship to Italy.

Former Foreign Minister Eli Cohen initially appointed Kashriel, and the current foreign minister, Yisrael Katz, is working to resolve the situation through the diplomatic switch with the designated ambassador to Hungary. This incident draws parallels to a similar situation eight years ago when Brazil rejected the appointment of Dani Dayan as ambassador due to his residence in the Shomron and his past role as head of the Yesha Council.