President Herzog Holds Talks With EU, Estonian, Latvian Envoys on Gaza and Sanctions

President Isaac Herzog welcomed six new ambassadors to Jerusalem on Tuesday, addressing issues ranging from Gaza and EU sanctions to international cooperation and the urgent mission of bringing home Israeli hostages.

Herzog’s meeting with Michael Anthony Mann, the European Union’s new ambassador, focused on EU concerns about the situation in Gaza. The president responded firmly. “We are open to any fact-finding mission, and we are adamant that there is no famine in Gaza.”

At the same time, Herzog voiced unease over sanctions imposed on Israel by some EU countries. He urged Europe to take “responsible steps” and avoid damaging long-term relations. “We are trying to bring back the hostages, end the war, and change the reality so that Israelis and Palestinians can live together in peace,” he said.

Herzog also met with Andres Vosman of Estonia and Gints Serafinovics of Latvia, noting his recent visits to their countries and praising Estonia’s advances in digital innovation. Both ambassadors emphasized the importance of dialogue in strengthening ties with Israel.

The president’s conversations with other new envoys reflected Israel’s diverse diplomatic network. He showed keen interest in Mou Mou Ring of South Sudan, asking about Africa’s treatment in Qatar, where Ring previously served, and about prospects for ending Sudan’s civil war.

With Wesley Mahuba Hazemba of Zambia, Herzog welcomed him warmly as the first ambassador during his tenure to arrive almost straight from the plane to present credentials. Upon learning that Hazemba and his family are Seventh Day Adventists, Herzog suggested that moving their embassy to Jerusalem would be advantageous, noting the city’s Sabbath atmosphere and local Adventist community.

Greg Lewis of New Zealand, a non-resident ambassador based in Ankara, presented his credentials wearing a traditional Maori feathered cape, a Kiwi ceremonial custom. Herzog, unfamiliar with the tradition, asked about its meaning and later remarked on the importance of strengthening ties between Israel and New Zealand, especially in combating antisemitism and promoting cooperation among free nations.

Throughout the day, Herzog repeated a central theme the urgency of freeing Israeli hostages held by Hamas. He also expressed hope for an improvement in relations with Turkey, envisioning a pathway to open dialogue after years of strained ties.

The ceremony, complete with honor guards and national anthems, underscored that despite international criticism, Israel continues to deepen its global partnerships. For Herzog, each ambassador’s arrival was a reminder that Israel’s voice remains essential in shaping the free world’s future. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on Israel’s diplomacy.