Tzipi Hotovely Appointed Head of Israel's National Public Diplomacy Directorate

The position had remained vacant since May 2024, when the previous head resigned after eight months in the role. Hotovely's appointment fills the vacancy amid ongoing international developments. Hotovely previously served as Israel’s ambassador to the United Kingdom from 2020 to 2025.

She also held positions as minister of settlement affairs, minister of diaspora affairs, and deputy foreign minister. The Prime Minister’s Office stated that in these roles, she promoted Israel’s image through international media interviews and public diplomacy efforts, including during periods of conflict.

The government unanimously approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to appoint Hotovely. She is scheduled to assume the position on Tuesday of next week. The directorate has operated without a permanent head for two years, during which Israel faced multifront wars and international criticism.

The government also approved the appointment of Doron Cohen, former director-general of the Finance Ministry, as Civil Service Commissioner. Cohen’s six-year term is set to begin next Tuesday or upon completion of conflict-of-interest procedures, whichever occurs later. The Prime Minister’s Office announced both appointments on Sunday.