New Delhi - The Israeli Foreign Ministry announced on Sunday that the government has given its approval for the appointment of Reuven Azar as the new Ambassador to India. Azar will also take on the role of non-resident Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Bhutan.

Currently serving as the Ambassador of Israel to Romania, Azar's exact start date in New Delhi is yet to be determined. His appointment is part of the Israeli government's clearance of 21 new Heads of Missions, all set to assume their respective roles shortly. Foreign Minister Eli Cohen extended congratulations to the new appointees, emphasizing their responsibility to represent Israel, strengthen its economy, and garner international support.

Azar's extensive diplomatic background includes serving as the Head of the Israel-US-China internal task force at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Prior to this, he spent three years as the Deputy National Security Advisor for Foreign Policy at the National Security Council and as the Foreign Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister of Israel. Azar's experience also spans roles such as Deputy Ambassador in Washington, DC, Head of Middle East Research, and Deputy Head of Mission in Amman.

Having completed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs cadet training program in 1994, Azar specialized in Middle East-related positions, including heading the Iran Sanctions Team and serving as the Director of Middle East Economic Research. His nearly three decades of service involved various aspects of cooperation and negotiations with the Palestinian Authority, with a focus on Palestinian issues. Born in Argentina, Azar immigrated to Israel at the age of 13, subsequently serving in the Israeli Defence Forces and later earning graduate and post-graduate degrees in International Relations from the Hebrew University.