Herzog Welcomes 5 New Ambassadors, Raises Concerns Over Dutch Relations
By The Media Line Staff
President Isaac Herzog accepted the credentials of five new ambassadors to Israel at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem on Monday, holding separate meetings focused on Israel’s relations and cooperation with their respective countries.
Representatives formally taking up their posts were Netherlands Ambassador Stella Ronner-Grubačić, French Ambassador Christophe Parisot, Austrian Ambassador Arad Benkö, Rwandan Ambassador Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Bayingana and Ghanaian Ambassador Evelyn Korantemaa Ofosu-Amable.
Herzog delivered his strongest remarks during Ronner-Grubačić’s reception, voicing concern about the state of Israeli-Dutch relations.
“These are trying times in the relations between Israel and the Netherlands. We are worried about what we see and hear from public opinion and from the government in the Netherlands. There is an onslaught on Israel without understanding our role in defending Europe and the fact that Israel is a vibrant democracy.”
He also spoke positively about Dutch King Willem-Alexander’s position on antisemitism and attitudes toward Israel.
“I had the pleasure of meeting with His Majesty King Willem-Alexander a few years ago, and he has expressed throughout a clear moral voice against antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiments.”
Ronner-Grubačić later passed along personal greetings from the King to Herzog.
Discussions with Parisot centered on the longstanding relationship between Israel and France. Herzog stressed the need to move past current difficulties, renew cooperation in various areas and develop a new direction for bilateral relations.
Austria’s ties with Israel were another focus of the ceremonies. Herzog told Benkö that he valued the friendship between the two countries and noted their cooperation in security, trade, tourism, technology, science and innovation. He also praised Austria for its continued efforts against antisemitism and its commitment to Holocaust remembrance.
Turning to Israel’s relationships in Africa, Herzog discussed expanding cooperation with both Rwanda and Ghana. He cited innovation, agriculture, development and education as areas of growing Israeli-Rwandan cooperation during his meeting with Bayingana.
In his talks with Ofosu-Amable, Herzog identified healthcare, agriculture, water management and technology as areas where Israel and Ghana could further develop their relationship. He also stressed the importance of broader Israeli ties with countries across Africa.
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