Croatian president Zoran Milanović is refusing to approve the appointment of a new Israeli ambassador to Croatia, in what Israeli sources described as an unprecedented diplomatic dispute between the two countries, Israeli media outlets reported.
According to the Hebrew news site Ynet, Israeli diplomat Nisan Amdor, who was selected last November to replace Ambassador Gary Koren in Zagreb, will instead arrive as chargé d’affaires after Koren’s term ends later this month, since that role does not require presidential approval.
The report said Milanović’s refusal marks the first time a Croatian president has declined to approve the appointment of a foreign ambassador, describing the move as a serious departure from diplomatic protocol.
According to the report, Milanović is also refusing to approve a replacement for Croatian ambassador to Tel Aviv Vesela Merden Korac, whose posting has reportedly extended beyond its normal term.
Ynet quoted an Israeli source describing Milanović as a controversial political figure who has recently made statements Israeli officials regard as anti-Israel and antisemitic.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry said it is working with Croatian authorities to resolve the dispute surrounding the status of the incoming Israeli envoy.
