Turkey has appointed a new ambassador to Israel for the first time in over two years, appointing someone who is not a career diplomat to the post, Al-Monitor reported.

The Turkish government, which withdrew its ambassador from 2018 under the pretext of the Gaza crisis and the relocation of the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, reappointed an ambassador about two years later. Several sources report a thaw in relations between the two sides and a possible return of diplomats.

Ufuk Ulutas, chair of the Centre for Strategic Research at the Turkish Foreign Ministry, has been chosen for this post.

Turkey is seeking to improve its relationship with Washington and the EU due to the severe economic crisis and possible sanctions.