From the Liveblog of
Monday, January 1, 2024
Knesset approves appointment of Israel Katz as foreign minister
Sam Sokol is the Times of Israel's political correspondent. He was previously a reporter for the Jerusalem Post, Jewish Telegraphic Agency and Haaretz. He is the author of "Putin’s Hybrid War and the Jews"
The Knesset plenum approves the appointment of Energy Minister Israel Katz as Israel’s top diplomat, replacing outgoing Foreign Minister Eli Cohen — who filled the role for a year in line with an internal Likud party rotation agreement.
Katz, who had previously served as foreign minister from 2019 to 2020, is entering the ministry at a crucial time for the diplomatic service, which must maintain Jerusalem’s international ties and represent the country on the world stage amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.
The Knesset’s approval of the swap comes a day after the move was approved by the cabinet. Katz’s appointment takes effect immediately.
The Times of Israel Community.