Ben-Hur new Knesset diplomatic adviser

The Knesset appointed Oded Ben-Hur (pictured) as its new diplomatic adviser Sunday, after its previous adviser, Dan Ashval, was appointed ambassador to Finland.Since 2004, the Knesset diplomatic adviser, who is considered a senior Foreign Ministry official, has helped the Knesset develop ties with parliaments around the world and international organizations, and has advised the Knesset speaker on diplomatic matters.

Ben-Hur, who previously served as ambassador to the Vatican, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, will begin his new role this week.The new Knesset diplomatic adviser also held a senior job in Israel’s embassy in Rome.Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin congratulated Ben-Hur on his new job, saying “it was very important that an experienced person who could play an important role in the Knesset’s rich international activities, would be appointed to this job.”“I am pleased by Oded Ben-Hur’s joining us and wish him luck in this challenging role.”