Foreign Ministry accuses unconfirmed envoy of breaking protocol
Foreign Ministry officials criticize Fiamma Nirenstein for making public appearances in Italy before being confirmed as ambassador; Nirenstein promoted a new book she authored at an event yesterday in Rome
The Foreign Ministry criticized Fiamma Nirenstein, the unconfirmed ambassador to Italy, for breaking diplomatic protocol by partaking in public events. Nirenstein held a launch event for her new book, "The Ayatollah's Suits - A Siege on our World." A Foreign Ministry official said Monday: "It is not acceptable for an ambassador to work in the country she will serve, before she has been confirmed."
Nirenstein was born in Florence and worked as a journalist and politician in Silvio Berlusconi's The People of Freedom party. She immigrated to Israel in 2013, and last August Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced her appointment as ambassador in Rome. The appointment caused discomfort in the Italian Jewish community, which reportedly fears it will raise accusations of dual loyalty.
Fiamma Nirenstein
Even though Nirenstein was appointed more than six months ago and already received security clearance, the Civil Service Commission has not confirmed her appointment and, therefore, neither has the government. The Civil Service Commission has not received a request from the foreign minister regarding her confirmation by the appointments committee. Nirenstein is supposed to assume her position this summer, but it is not clear if that will actually happen.
Meanwhile, Nirenstein has returned to live with her husband in Italy, who works for Italian television station RAI. He hosted a book launch event for her at the Jewish Community Center in Rome on Sunday. The unconfirmed ambassador also granted an interview to right wing Italian party's radio station a month ago.
Foreign Ministry officials said these public appearances violate Foreign Ministry protocol. Officials in charge of Israeli-Italian relations said that Netanyahu's handling of the appointment has been "scandalous and twisted" from the start. They elaborated that Netanyahu's appointment not only upset the sitting Ambassador Naor Gilon, but also undermined Israeli interests. Gilon is considered one of the best diplomats in the Foreign Ministry.
The Foreign Ministry said in a response: "The relevant procedures in the process of appointment are on course. We have nothing to add."
