Egyptian ambassador appointed in Tel Aviv after 3-year suspension

Egypt appointed ambassador Hazem Khairat to Tel Aviv Friday, after three years with no representative in Israel, confirmed the Israeli Foreign Ministry on Sunday.

Hazem Khairat arrived in Israel Friday and immediately adopted his duties as Egypt's envoy, a spokesperson for the ministry added.

The new appointment epitomizes the improved relations between Israel and Egypt under President Sisi's administration. Both countries have agreed to cooperate in securing both the Gaza Strip and Sinai Peninsula, predominantly havens to Jihadist groups.

A signed peace agreement between Israel and Egypt exists since 1979 and ties between the two countries have been solid throughout previous decades, deteriorating only during ex-president Morsi's year in power.

Since November 2012, Egypt had no ambassador in Israel, after ruling President Mohammad Morsi withdrew his envoy Atef Salem from Tel Aviv during and in reaction to Israel's Operation Pillar of Defense in the Gaza Strip at the time.

However, Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi announced in June the appointment of a new envoy to Israel in place of the deputy ambassador currently stationed in Tel Aviv.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the news of the ambassador's arrival, commending the amicable relations between Egypt and Israel.

"I welcome the re-stationing of an Egyptian ambassador in Israel, which will enable us to further strengthen relations with this important and central Arab country," Netanyahu said on Sunday according to a statement from his office.

His Excellency, ambassador Hazem Khairat, previously served as assistant to the Egyptian Deputy Foreign Minister on diplomatic and consular matters. In addition, His Excellency was Egypt's former permanent representative to the Arab League and ambassador to Chile. Endit