Consul-General of Israel in New York
| Consul-General of Israel in New York | |
|---|---|
| Appointer | Prime Minister of Israel |
| First holder | Arthur Lourie |
The consul-general of Israel in New York is in charge of the Israeli Consulate General and represents the State of Israel to New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Delaware.[1] The position has been described as "central to relations with American Jewish organizations, political leaders, universities, donors, media outlets, and public diplomacy in the United States".[2]
The current consul-general is Ofir Akunis, appointed in 2024.[3][4]
Background
In May 2026 The Jerusalem Post described the position as "one of Israel's most sensitive diplomatic posts", with Democrats MK Gilad Kariv writing "The Israeli consulate in New York is the true embassy of Israel to the Jews of America."[5] It is considered Israel's third most important diplomatic position in the United States, after the ambassadors to Washington and the United Nations.[6]
History
In November 2025, Israel joined the Society of Foreign Consuls in New York, which includes countries with whom it does not maintain diplomatic relations.[7]
See also
References
- ↑ Carvajal, Jill (February 23, 2022). "Israel's New Consul General, Ambassador Asaf Zamir". PoliticsNY. Archived from the original on June 29, 2022. Retrieved August 15, 2026.
- ↑ "Early elections put Israeli ambassador appointments under legal scrutiny". The Jerusalem Post. May 20, 2026. Retrieved May 27, 2026.
- ↑ "Israeli Consul holds historic tour of Staten Island". Israel National News. May 27, 2026. Retrieved May 27, 2026.
- ↑ Eichner, Itamar; Eichner, Itamar (March 17, 2024). "Government taps Ofir Akunis as new consul general in New York". Ynetglobal. Retrieved May 27, 2026.
- ↑ "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu considering Caroline Glick for New York diplomatic post". The Jerusalem Post. May 27, 2026. Retrieved May 27, 2026.
- ↑ Lefkovits, Etgar (April 24, 2023). "Caroline Glick under consideration for New York consul post". Israel & Jewish News - JNS. Retrieved May 27, 2026.
- ↑ Edelson, Daniel; York, New; Edelson, Daniel; York, New (November 9, 2025). "Israel joins consuls club in New York; Israeli consul general hails 'important achievement'". Ynetglobal. Retrieved May 27, 2026.