Turkey has appointed Sakir Özkan Torunlar as its new ambassador to Israel after the countries decided last month to restore diplomatic relations, Middle East Eye reported.

Torunlar, a professional diplomat with years of experience, previously served as Turkey's consul general in Jerusalem from 2010 to 2013.

Sources in Ankara do not expect any objections from Israel, since Torunlar is not a political appointee and has extensive experience in public service.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas awarded Torunlar the Order of the Jerusalem Star in 2013 for his contribution to Palestinian-Turkish relations. Torunlar was also ambassador to Palestine after Ankara decided to consider it a state that year.

Israel has already appointed Irit Lilian as its next ambassador to Ankara.