Netanyahu says new Egyptian envoy to Israel will enable strengthening of ties with Cairo
Hazem Khairat will be the first resident Egyptian ambassador in Israel since Atef Salem was withdrawn in 2012 during Operation Pillar of Defense.
By HERB KEINONEgypt's President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi looks on as he delivers a speech in Cairo.(photo credit: REUTERS)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed Egypt's new ambassador to Israel on Sunday, telling the weekly cabinet meeting that his arrival will lead to a further strengthening of ties between Cairo and Jerusalem.“Over the weekend Egypt's new ambassador to Israel Hazem Khairat, arrived,” Netanyahu said. “I welcome his arrival and the re-stationing here of an Egyptian ambassador to Israel, something that will enable us to further strengthen relations within this important and key Arab country.”Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sissi appointed the veteran diplomat Khairat to the post in June. He will be the first resident Egyptian ambassador in Israel since deposed president Mohammed Morsi withdrew then ambassador Atef Salem in 2012 during Operation Pillar of Defense.
