According to reports from Channel 12, a stir arose within the Foreign Ministry following an exchange on social media involving Israel’s spokesman, Mark Regev, and British Foreign Secretary David Cameron.
The exchange occurred on March 8th, when Cameron posted a message urging Israel to increase the number of aid trucks entering Gaza to expedite humanitarian assistance to those in need.
In response to Cameron’s post, Regev, known for his candid and assertive communication style, challenged the assertion, stating that no capacity issues hindered aid delivery to Gaza.
Israel Spokesman, Eylon Levy (Credits: The Times of Israel)
This direct rebuttal caught the attention of the British Foreign Office, which promptly sought clarification from Israeli authorities regarding Regev’s statement. They questioned whether Regev’s tweet accurately reflected Israel’s official position or if it was merely his personal opinion.
The inquiry from the British Foreign Office triggered internal discussions within the Israeli government, particularly within the Foreign Ministry. Officials deliberated over the implications of Regev’s remarks and their potential impact on diplomatic relations between Israel and the United Kingdom.
Due to the scrutiny surrounding his tweet, Mark Regev was suspended from his duties as Israel’s spokesman. Sources indicate that Regev has been on leave for over a week and is unlikely to return to his position soon.
The suspension of such a prominent figure in Israeli diplomacy has raised concerns about the continuity of communication channels with international partners, particularly those in the English-speaking world.
The timing of Regev’s suspension coincides with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent comments lamenting the shortage of effective English-speaking spokespeople within the Israeli government.
Netanyahu expressed frustration over the perceived lack of articulate representatives capable of effectively conveying Israel’s global message.
Israel Spokesman, Eylon Levy (Credits: Globes English – גלובס)
This development also follows earlier reports suggesting that Sara Netanyahu, the wife of Prime Minister Netanyahu, had been advocating for Regev’s dismissal.
Allegations surfaced that Mrs. Netanyahu harbored grievances against Regev due to his past criticism of the prime minister and his involvement in protests against proposed judicial reforms.
Mark Regev’s tenure as Israel’s spokesman has been marked by his articulate defense of Israeli policies and actions, particularly in the face of international criticism.
His background as a former journalist and adviser to President Isaac Herzog has equipped him with the skills and knowledge to navigate complex diplomatic challenges.
Despite his suspension, Mark Regev’s contributions to Israel’s public diplomacy efforts, especially in English-speaking media outlets, have been widely recognized.
His absence from the diplomatic arena raises questions about the future direction of Israel’s communication strategy and the selection of suitable representatives to articulate the country’s positions on the global stage.
