Italy has objected to Israel’s intention to nominate the mayor of one of the main West Bank settlements as ambassador to Rome, a diplomatic source told AFP.

In July, the Israel’s foreign ministry put forward the name of Benny Kashriel, mayor of Ma’ale Adumim, near Jerusalem, to succeed Alon Bar, a career diplomat due to retire in the summer of 2024.

Israel has not yet submitted an official request to Rome for accreditation.

But a diplomatic source told AFP, confirming press reports, that Italian authorities had sent a number of messages indicating that they considered the appointment inappropriate.