Story perspectives

Croatia Rejects Israeli Ambassador Nominee Over Gaza Policies

5/19/2026

Summary

Milanovic Rejects Nominee

President Zoran Milanovic announced on 19 May 2026 that he will not approve Israel’s nominee Nissan Amdur as ambassador to Zagreb.
He rejected the appointment because of Israel’s policies and alleged violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza, the first presidential refusal of an ambassador in Croatia.
Consequently, Amdur can serve only as chargé d’affaires, a post that does not require presidential consent, while Israel’s foreign ministry seeks a resolution.

Summary

Sa'ar Demands Apology

In March 2026 Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar called President Zoran Milanovic’s “infections and germs” remark antisemitic on X, demanding an apology.
Sa’ar said the comment reflected an antisemitic stance toward Israel, noting it followed Milanovic’s October 2025 refusal to meet him in Zagreb.
Despite the dispute, Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlic-Radman met Sa’ar in Berlin earlier, after which Sa’ar thanked him on X and invited him to Israel.

1 of 2

Milanovic Rejects Nominee

President Zoran Milanovic announced on 19 May 2026 that he will not approve Israel’s nominee Nissan Amdur as ambassador to Zagreb.
He rejected the appointment because of Israel’s policies and alleged violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza, the first presidential refusal of an ambassador in Croatia.
Consequently, Amdur can serve only as chargé d’affaires, a post that does not require presidential consent, while Israel’s foreign ministry seeks a resolution.

1 / 2