New Australian ambassador to Israel
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has announced the appointment of Dr Ralph King as Australia’s next Ambassador to Israel.
Dr Ralph King
In a statement, Penny Wong said: “Relations between Australia and Israel are close and longstanding.
Australia was one of first countries to vote in favour of the UN resolution that led to the creation of Israel in 1948, establishing diplomatic relations with the newly formed state in 1949.
The modern-day relationship is sustained by a history of strong personal connections and by the large and vibrant Jewish community in Australia.
Our practical cooperation, including in the fields of security, defence and cyber, continues to deepen. The economic relationship similarly continues to grow, with a particular focus on innovation and technology.
Next year marks the 75th anniversary of the creation of the State of Israel, and Australia and Israel will celebrate 75 years of bilateral relations in 2024.
Dr King is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. He has previously served overseas as Head of Mission in Riyadh, Cairo and Kuwait and as Deputy Head of Mission in Hanoi.
I thank outgoing Ambassador Paul Griffiths for his contributions to advancing Australia’s interests in Israel since 2020.”
The Zionist Federation of Australia welcomed the appointment.
ZFA President Jeremy Leibler said, “I look forward to working with Dr King over the next few years. Australia’s recent ambassadors to Israel have been excellent representatives, which is a mark of bipartisan importance the Australia–Israel relationship is to all Australian governments, and the important role played by the ambassador.”
Mr Leibler also acknowledged the former ambassador. “Paul Griffiths was a great ambassador who understood the Jewish community’s special relationship with Israel and who always sought to enhance the relationship between the two countries. I wish him the very best for the future.”
AIJAC Executive Director Dr Colin Rubenstein told J-Wire: “We have known Ambassador King for many years, and he has frequently hosted functions for AIJAC guests in Canberra‘s Department of Foreign Affairs in the past.
His great experience in the region, where he has served as Australia’s chief of mission in Cairo, Riyadh and Kuwait, should serve him in very good stead, especially in promoting and expanding the new diplomatic and economic opportunities created by the Abraham Accords.
We congratulate Ambassador King on his new role, and look forward to working with him closely to develop further and strengthen the already excellent ties between Canberra and Jerusalem.”
Everyone knows the relationship between Australia and Israel since the current Government took-over has nose-dived. Its decision denying recognition and opposing or abstaining on blatant anti-Zionist motions un the UNO are vivid examples of the current state of affairs between the two former friends. Why the disinformation suggesting otherwise? If the new ambassador can redeem the harm caused to the relationship his tenure will be one deserved of praise.