Israel’s new ambassador to Egypt finally assumes post

Sep 23, 2020

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi received the credentials of the new Israeli ambassador to Egypt, Amira Oron, on Wednesday.

Sisi received the credentials of 14 other new ambassadors the same day, including Mohamed Elias from neighboring Sudan.

Oron’s path to Cairo was a long one. The veteran diplomat was first selected by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the ambassadorship in 2018, but she was not approved until this past June. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu then considered former parliamentarian Ayoob Kara for the position instead. Kara is a member of Israel’s Arabic-speaking Druze community and is known for his nationalist and right-wing views. Netanyahu proposing a new candidate to the important post after one had already been nominated lacked precedent and caused an outcry.

Oron is the first female ambassador of Israel to Egypt.

The Israeli ambassadorship to Egypt is a significant position, as Egypt is one of only four Arab states to recognize Israel.