Israel has appointed a special envoy to the Christian world, in a move seen as an effort to improve its international image following after an Israeli soldier destroyed a statue of Jesus Christ in southern Lebanon.
In a statement on Thursday, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said Gideon Sa’ar had appointed George Deek as special envoy to the Christian world.
The ministry said the appointment aims to strengthen Israel’s relations with Christian communities globally.
Deek, a career diplomat with 18 years of experience, most recently served as Israel’s ambassador to Azerbaijan and is described as the first Christian ambassador in Israel’s history. He has also received the Foreign Ministry’s Director General’s Award for Excellence.
According to the statement, Deek is a member of the Arab Christian community in Jaffa and has long been active within it. His father, Youssef Deek, previously served as head of the Orthodox Christian community in Jaffa and Israel.
Sa’ar claimed Israel “attaches great importance to its relations with the Christian world and with its Christian friends around the globe”, expressing confidence that Deek would contribute to strengthening ties and deepening relations with Christian communities worldwide.
READ: UN says destruction of Jesus statue by Israeli soldier in Lebanon ‘shocking’
