Israel to open permanent mission at NATO HQ

NATO has allowed Israel to open a permanent mission at its HQ after Turkey lifted its veto on Israeli activity within the bloc, AlKhaleejonline.com reported.

NATO said in a statement that Israel’s Ambassador to the European Union David Walzer would now also head its mission at alliance headquarters.

The foreign ministry of Israel, which is not a NATO member but has partner status as a participant in the alliance’s Mediterranean Dialogue programs, welcomed the move.

In 2011, Turkey vetoed Israel’s demand for representation at NATO’s HQ. Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported Israeli officials saying Turkey’s lifting of the veto reflects a desire to normalise relations with Israel.