Israeli media outlets reported Tuesday that Egypt is refusing to name a new ambassador to Israel and is delaying the accreditation of Israel’s newly appointed envoy to Cairo, citing heightened tensions stemming from the Gaza war.
The Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, quoting an Egyptian Foreign Ministry source, stated that Cairo’s decision not to appoint a new ambassador to Israel is a response to renewed Israeli attacks on Gaza.
Former Egyptian ambassador to Israel, Khaled Azmi, completed his term a year ago, following an extension of his service. Egypt is also reportedly delaying the accreditation of Israel’s new ambassador, Ori Rotman, without explicitly rejecting his appointment.
Rotman, who was designated as Israel’s ambassador to Egypt five months ago, remains in Israel and has not yet traveled to Cairo, according to the report.
“The deterioration of relations between Cairo and Tel Aviv is clearly evident in Egypt’s refusal to approve the accreditation of the new Israeli ambassador, a diplomatic move that reflects an undeclared protest,” the newspaper stated.
An Egyptian diplomat was quoted as saying, “Cairo’s decision to halt the appointment of ambassadors is a direct answer to escalating tension (in Gaza).”
As of now, there has been no official comment from Egyptian authorities regarding these Israeli media reports.
The Israeli army’s ongoing offensive in the Gaza Strip has resulted in the deaths of over 52,900 Palestinians since October 2023, predominantly women and children.
The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, alleging war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.