The toughest job in Israeli diplomacy awaits in London - opinion

Christian Cantor, a seasoned diplomat, now leads Israel's London embassy as chargé d'affaires, facing what the article calls the toughest job in Israeli diplomacy. He must navigate a new UK government, rising antisemitism, and a biased media. The article cites CST data showing 3,700 antisemitic incidents in 2025 and notes that 96% of British Jews feel less safe since Oct. 7.

Christian Cantor, a seasoned Israeli diplomat, has taken over as chargé d'affaires at the Israeli embassy in London, a role that has been vacant since Tzipi Hotovely left nearly a year ago. The article argues this is the toughest job in Israeli diplomacy, given the challenges of representing Israel to the new UK government, combating antisemitism, and influencing a biased British media. Cantor, who speaks English and has served as ambassador to Colombia, will deal with Prime Minister Andy Burnham's government, which has apologized for past Labour policies on Israel and Gaza. The article highlights rising antisemitism, citing CST data of 3,700 incidents in 2025, and notes that 96% of British Jews feel less safe since Oct. 7. It also criticizes British media bias, citing a Sunday Times article and The Guardian's coverage. The piece includes quotes from Netanyahu about the dangers of vilification, and discusses the stalled appointment of Tzachi Braverman as ambassador due to legal issues.