Six New Ambassadors Present Credentials to Israeli President Isaac Herzog

Six new ambassadors will present credentials to Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Tuesday, including envoys from Estonia, Latvia, the EU, South Sudan, Zambia, and New Zealand, underscoring continued diplomatic ties despite global criticism of Israel’s policies.

The presentation of credentials by six new ambassadors to Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Tuesday highlights the persistence of international diplomatic engagement with Israel, even as the country faces widespread criticism over its actions in Gaza.

The Ambassadors and Their Missions

The new envoys represent a mix of long-standing and evolving relationships with Israel. The country voted for the 1947 UN partition of Palestine and granted de facto recognition to Israel in 1949, followed by de jure recognition in 1950. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of an Israeli embassy in Wellington, though New Zealand does not have a formal embassy in Israel, with its envoy to Turkey also accredited to the Jewish state.

Zambia, which has an embassy in Tel Aviv, celebrates the 10th anniversary of its diplomatic mission this year. The African nation initially recognized Israel in 1966 but severed ties after the 1973 Yom Kippur War, following the Organization of African Unity’s recommendation. Relations were restored in 1991, reflecting broader shifts in post-Cold War diplomacy. The EU’s participation underscores the bloc’s continued engagement with Israel, even as individual member states face internal debates over the conflict in Gaza.

Historical Ties and Diplomatic Significance

Despite global criticism, the envoys’ presence signals that many governments prioritize diplomatic continuity over geopolitical tensions. The article notes that most world leaders and their governments believe in the importance of maintaining diplomatic relations with Israel, a sentiment that underscores the resilience of international diplomacy amid conflict.

Meanwhile, Zambia’s diplomatic journey—from early recognition to a Cold War hiatus and post-1991 revival—reflects broader patterns of shifting alliances. These narratives reveal how bilateral relationships with Israel are shaped by both historical legacies and contemporary geopolitical dynamics.

The event also underscores the complexity of Israel’s diplomatic landscape. While some nations maintain long-standing ties, others, like South Sudan and the EU, represent newer or multilateral engagements. The absence of a New Zealand embassy in Israel, despite its historical connection, illustrates the nuances of diplomatic representation.