Michael Lotem

Michael Lotem is an Israeli diplomat, the first Israeli diplomat appointed as Israel's ambassador to Somaliland. He previously served as a roving ambassador for economic affairs in Africa. During his diplomatic career, he served as Israel's ambassador to Kenya, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan.[1][2][3]

Career

In 2004, he served as Israel's ambassador to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.

In 2012, while serving as ambassador to Azerbaijan, he survived an assassination attempt. The attempt was carried out by Iran in retaliation for the killing of four Iranian nuclear scientists.[4]

In 2013, he served as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ special envoy for energy affairs. In 2014, he was appointed consul general in Saint Petersburg.[5]

In 2021, he was appointed Israel's ambassador to Kenya and non-resident ambassador to Uganda, Malawi, Seychelles, and Tanzania.[6][7] During his tenure, he signed a memorandum of understanding between Israel and Kenya in the field of energy, aimed at deepening cooperation between the two countries.[8]

In April 2026, following the recognition of its independence, he was appointed Israel's ambassador to Somaliland, initially as a non-resident ambassador.[3][9][10][1]

References

  1. ^ a b "Israel appoints first ambassador to Somaliland". Israel National News. Retrieved 16 April 2026.
  2. ^ AFP and ToI Staff (2026-04-26). "Israel appoints first ambassador to Somaliland after recognition of breakaway region". The Times of Israel. ISSN 0040-7909. Retrieved 2026-05-05.
  3. ^ a b Ali, Faisal. "Israel appoints first ambassador to Somaliland". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2026-05-05.
  4. ^ "'Plot To Kill' Israel Envoy Foiled". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. 2012-01-25. Retrieved 2026-05-05.
  5. ^ "ENERPO Workshop: "Israel's energy security and energy relations with Russia"". EUSP. Retrieved 2026-05-05.
  6. ^ University, Makerere. "Israeli Ambassador Lotem Talks Innovation on Farewell Visit | Makerere University". www.mak.ac.ug. Retrieved 2026-05-05.
  7. ^ University, Kyambogo (2022-03-31). "Kyambogo Hosts Israel Ambassador - The Official Kyambogo University Website". Retrieved 2026-05-05.
  8. ^ "Israel Ambassador to Kenya, H.E Amb. Michael Lotem calls for more collaboration in Agriculture | Department of Food Science, Nutrition & Technology". foodtech.uonbi.ac.ke. Retrieved 2026-05-05.
  9. ^ Eichner, Itamar (2026-04-15). "Foreign Ministry: Michael Lotem to be first ambassador to Somaliland, Yahel Vilan to Singapore". Ynetglobal. Retrieved 2026-05-05.
  10. ^ France-Presse, Agence (2026-04-27). "Israel appoints first ambassador to Somaliland". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved 2026-05-05.
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