Israel Appoints George Deek as Special Envoy to Strengthen Ties with Global Christian Communities

Choi Jin-kyung | 2026.04.24

Translation result

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar (left) and George Deek, Special Envoy to the Christian World (right)[Provided by Yonhap News][Provided by Yonhap News]

Israel, already criticized by Christian groups after a soldier deployed in southern Lebanon destroyed a statue of Jesus, has appointed a Special Envoy to the Christian World to reinforce ties with Christian communities. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar named veteran diplomat George Deek to the post on April 23 (local time). The Foreign Ministry said the appointment is intended to deepen relations between Israel and Christian communities worldwide. Deek, an Arab Christian, most recently served as Israel's ambassador to Azerbaijan. Sa'ar said Israel places great importance on its relationships with Christian communities and Christian allies around the world and that Deek will play a key role in strengthening those ties. The envoy’s appointment comes shortly after a series of incidents that sparked accusations of discrimination and hostility toward Christians. Last month, senior clergy — including Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Pierbattista Pizzaballa — were prevented from attending Palm Sunday services at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre because of wartime security restrictions. A recently circulated photo of an Israeli soldier in southern Lebanon smashing a statue of Jesus with a large hammer also provoked international outrage. #Israel #GeorgeDeek #Christianity Yonhap News TV inquiries and tips: KakaoTalk/LINE jebo23; Choi Jin-kyung (highjean@yna.co.kr)