Major Diplomatic Overhaul: Foreign Ministry Announces Crucial Leadership Roles in Jerusalem

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has implemented a significant restructuring of its senior leadership team to enhance its global diplomatic operations. Following an extensive review by the state appointments committee, senior officials confirmed the selection of new representatives for critical international posts alongside a major leadership change within the main office in Jerusalem. The decisions, which were guided by Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, are aimed at reinforcing strategic ties with key Asian partners while streamlining the formulation of global foreign policy.

The appointments committee announced that Sagi Karni has been officially selected to serve as the next Israeli Ambassador to South Korea, a role that will now be forwarded to the cabinet for final structural confirmation. Karni currently manages the Southeast Asia division and possesses extensive experience within the diplomatic corps, having previously served as the ambassador to Singapore, non resident envoy to East Timor, ambassador to Angola, and consul general in Hong Kong and Macau. His background is expected to play a central role in advancing economic and technological cooperation between Jerusalem and Seoul.

Simultaneously, the higher committee, led by Director General Eden Bar Tal, authorized the promotion of current Ambassador to Japan Gilad Cohen to the position of Head of the Political Directorate within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This specific role places Cohen at the center of the nation's global diplomatic strategy, overseeing the execution of sensitive foreign policy initiatives during an era of heightened regional instability. Cohen boasts an illustrious career, having previously managed the coordination and planning divisions as well as the Asia Pacific department.

Cohen's extensive resume includes vital foreign service postings at the Israeli embassy in Ankara, the embassy in Brasilia, and the permanent mission to the United Nations in New York. During his tenure at the United Nations, his proactive efforts led to the historic adoption of the international resolution establishing International Holocaust Remembrance Day, an achievement that earned him the title of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' outstanding employee. His capability to manage complex diplomatic landscapes has been recognized globally by both local authorities and foreign partners.

In May 2026, the Japanese government presented Cohen with a rare and highly prestigious cultural honor, the Higashi Kuninomiya International Culture Award, celebrating his exceptional contributions toward deepening bilateral relations between Tokyo and Jerusalem over his five year term. Foreign policy analysts note that elevating an award winning expert on Asian affairs to lead the political directorate signals a conscious effort by the state to diversify its strategic alliances and fortify its diplomatic shielding beyond traditional Western channels.