Morsi appoints new Israel envoy
Former Consul in Eilat Atef Salem to replace Yasser Ridah as ambassador to Israel
Egyptian media further reported that the incoming ambassador previously served as Deputy Foreign Minister for Cultural Affairs.
Related stories:
- Egypt names Ridah new ambassador to Israel
- Former Egyptian ambassador Basyouni dies at 74
- Brotherhood: Morsi visit in Israel impossible
Salem's appointment is part of a series of appointments in Egypt's diplomatic staff. Sources in Jerusalem said that the appointment will be officially declared later this week. Salem is scheduled to present his letter of credence to President Shimon Peres on October 17.
Salem, a Cairo University communications and political science major, had been previously posted in Russia, Thailand, China, Holland and Mali. During his time in Eilat, his wife Suha and three kids remained in Cairo.
Ridah, the outgoing ambassador, assumed the position four years ago. Last year, he was recalled to Cairo after three Egyptian officers were killed by the IDF during hunt for Sinai terrorists.
He was preceded in the position by Mohammed Assem Ibrahim who took the reins from Mohammed Basyouni, who served as Egypt's Ambassador to Israel for nearly two decades.
Basyouni was tasked with managing the Egyptian Embassy in Israel in 1982 after the former envoy was recalled in protest of the First Lebanon War. He was appointed ambassador four years later, and served until 2000 when he was recalled following the Al-Aqsa Intifada. He passed away in September 2011.
Ahuva Mamos and Attila Somfalvi contributed to this report
- Receive Ynetnews updates
directly to your desktop
