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A Turkish flag flutters atop the Turkish embassy as an Israeli flag is seen nearby, in Tel Aviv

Turkey Names Former Jerusalem Envoy as New Ambassador to Israel

Turkey appointed Sakir Ozkan Torunlar as its new ambassador to Israel late on Wednesday, October 5, following a mutual decision taken last month to restore full diplomatic ties, two Turkish foreign ministry officials said.

Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu briefed Torunlar on Wednesday night as part of the ministry's new appointments abroad, the officials told Reuters. A career diplomat with decades of experience, Torunlar was Turkish Consul General in Jerusalem from 2010 until 2013.

Israel has already named Irit Lillian as its next ambassador to Ankara.

Relations between Turkey and Israel have been rocky since 2011 when Ankara expelled Israel's ambassador following a 2010 Israeli raid on the Mavi Marmara aid ship to Gaza, which killed nine Turkish citizens.

The latest developments come five months after Israeli President Isaac Herzog visited Ankara as part of his first visit to Turkey by an Israeli leader since 2008. (JPost / VFI News)