Mark Regev has officially started his job as Israel’s ambassador to the UK.
Mr Regev presented his credentials to the Foreign Office on Monday.
In a tweet, he said: “It’s now official. Excited to be here.”
The 55-year-old was appointed last year to succeed Daniel Taub, but remained in Israel as spokesman for prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Deputy ambassador Eitan Na'eh carried out ambassadorial duties in his stead.
Mr Regev was born in Australia and emigrated to Israel in 1982. He has served as a diplomat for around 20 years, primarily as a media spokesperson.
Board of Deputies President Jonathan Arkush said: “We are delighted that Prime Minister Netanyahu has chosen someone as high calibre as Mark Regev to serve as Israeli Ambassador to the United Kingdom.
Over the years Mr Regev has worked tirelessly to ensure that Israel’s voice is heard in the international media, never shying away from tough questions and setting out Israel’s case with clarity and erudition. His deep knowledge of the Middle East and Europe stand him in good stead and we very much look forward to working with him in his new role.”
Simon Johnson, Chief Executive of the JLC said: “The JLC welcomes Mark Regev to his new role as Israel's Ambassador to the United Kingdom. He brings with him a wealth of experience. That the Israeli Government has placed such a high profile advocate in the UK shows how vital the UK-Israel trade and cultural relationship continues to be.
Paul Charney, ZF Chairman, welcomed the arrival of Mark Regev and commented:“Israel and Britain have unbreakable historical bonds, and we’re delighted that His Excellency Mark Regev will now have the opportunity to play his part in strengthening those bonds.
Having tested his mettle as the Prime Minister’s spokesperson, he is the perfect candidate to articulate the case for ever improved relations between these two democracies. And how fortunate we are to have him here in the UK in the run-up to next year’s centenary of the Balfour Declaration!”
It's now official. Presented my credentials @foreignoffice as Israel's UK Ambassador. Excited to be here. pic.twitter.com/5zNZRb2O6p
— Mark Regev (@AmbMarkRegev) April 4, 2016
