Israel names new envoy to Turkey amid tensions over Gaza and Syria

Israel has appointed a new head of mission to Turkey this week, despite its embassy in Ankara remaining effectively closed over security concerns, an Israeli official told Middle East Eye on Wednesday. The Israeli foreign ministry selected Joel Lion as charge d’affaires. Lion served as Israel’s first resident ambassador to Moldova until April 2025 and as its non-resident ambassador to Armenia until August 2026. His appointment follows the retirement of Israeli ambassador Irit Lillian earlier this year, which left the ambassador’s post in Turkey vacant. Lion was in Ankara on Wednesday to present his credentials to the Turkish foreign ministry.