Israel is close to naming a new ambassador to Spain after receiving formal approval from Madrid. Zvi Vapni, a career diplomat who has previously served as ambassador to the Philippines and Slovakia and has broad experience across Europe, Asia, and the United States, will take over for the current Spanish envoy in Madrid, Rodica Radian-Gordon. Reports from El Confidencial and subsequent confirmations from El Periódico de España, both part of the Prensa group, indicate the appointment was finalized before the Hamas attacks on October 7 and is set to take effect in the coming summer. The plan reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen Israel’s diplomatic presence in Europe even amid regional tensions and a broader state of war.
The incumbent ambassador was recalled for consultations in Tel Aviv, a temporary pause that some described as a diplomatic rebuke by Israel toward Spain over remarks by Spain’s president, Pedro Sánchez, condemning the deadly toll of civilians in the Gaza offensive. Spain responded by summoning Israel’s ambassador in Madrid to express concerns about what it called misleading statements against the Spanish prime minister, yet did not remove its own head of mission from Israel. The incident marked a rare flare-up in bilateral ties. The Israeli side defended the government’s position, saying it reflected security realities and international law challenges in the Gaza conflict, while Madrid emphasized the need for factual clarifications and de-escalation. The exchange underscores how public remarks about wartime conduct can quickly translate into diplomatic friction, even as both countries pursue their respective strategic interests in the region. The new appointment, coming as the conflict continues, signals a desire to maintain steady channels of communication and to support ongoing dialogue with European partners. For additional context on the development, sources attribute the information to El Confidencial and El Periódico de España, which cited Israeli officials and official timelines in their reporting.