The office of Croatian President Zoran Milanović announced on April 1 that he would not approve the nomination of Israel's new ambassador to Zagreb, citing "the policies currently pursued by the Israeli authorities." The statement read: "The nominated ambassador of the State of Israel has not received, and will not receive, the consent of the President of the Republic, Zoran Milanović."
President Milanović, a vocal critic of Israel's war in Gaza, stated he had previously refrained from public commentary as diplomatic protocol dictates. However, he argued that Israel broke an "unwritten rule" by announcing the ambassador nomination before receiving the president's approval.
Israel's Foreign Ministry said in a statement that it is working with Croatian partners to "resolve the issue regarding the status of the next Israeli ambassador in Zagreb."
Tensions between Croatia and Israel have escalated against the backdrop of Israel's military campaign in Gaza and the broader Middle East. In February, President Milanović declared that Croatian armed forces would not cooperate with the Israeli military due to its "unacceptable actions and unprecedented trampling" of international humanitarian law. In March, he condemned "the American and Israeli war against Iran," arguing that the desire to change the government in Tehran could lead to "economic damage" and long-term consequences.
Nissan Amdur has been nominated to replace Ambassador Gary Koren, whose term ends in late May. According to Israeli newspaper Ynet, Amdur will come to Croatia as a chargé d'affaires, a position that does not require presidential approval. A source familiar with the matter described Milanović as a "problematic political figure who has made clear anti-Israel and antisemitic statements in the past."
This marks the first time in Croatian history that a president has refused to approve an ambassador. Milanović affirmed that "granting or withholding consent for nominated ambassadors is a sovereign right" of the president. He took office in 2020 and belongs to a left-wing party with views that differ from those of the conservative, pro-Israel government. Although his powers are limited, approving ambassador appointments falls under his authority.
