Dani Dayan
Dani DayanHadas Parush/Flash 90

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu announced Monday morning the formal appointment of former Yesha Council head Dani Dayan as Israel's Consul General in New York.

Dayan will replace Foreign Ministry career official Ido Aharoni, who is completing his term.

The surprise announcement comes after eight months of deadlock with Brazil, which had refused to accept Dayan's appointment as Israeli Ambassador to Brasilia.

Speaking with Arutz Sheva, Dayan said, "Back in August, when the Prime Minister gave me the position in Brazil, I asked for the position in New York. I believe I can make a revolution in Israeli outreach in North America, and New York is its beating heart. I will know how to hold a respectful dialog with all layers of American Judaism - Orthodox and Reform, liberal and conservative - and with the supporters of both political parties. I will do so while faithfully presenting Israel's positions."

It currently remains unclear whether Israel will choose to send an ambassador to Brazil, or choose to leave the embassy without an ambassador as a protest.