Ron Prosor, Israel’s popular ambassador to Britain, will take over for Gabriella Shalev, who has resigned, Voice of Israel government radio reported Wednesday morning. The government has not confirmed or denied the rumor, and the London Jewish Chronicle told Israel National News it is investigating the report.
Prof. Shalev announced earlier this month she is quitting to return to academic life. Zalman Shoval, former Ambassador to the United States, and Dore Gold, who once held the ambassadorial post to the United Nations, have been rumored as replacements. An appointment has reportedly been delayed because of disagreements between Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman and other politicians.
Prosor would take over the post temporarily, a move that would not require government confirmation.
Prosor previously served as Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before taking up his current position in London in 2007. Fluent in English and German, he has frequently written in support of Israel in major London newspapers and often appears on BBC and Sky News.