Israel's 'Drunk, Naked Ambassador' Recalled.

Israel is replacing its ambassador in El Salvador after the current envoy was found in a street, drunk, wearing only bondage gear, officials said.

"Our ambassador has been recalled immediately," a foreign ministry official told AFP news agency.

San Salvador was Tzuriel Refael's first post as ambassador, after promotion in 2006 from a foreign ministry position.

The official said that, although diplomats may have caused embarrassment in the past, this was "the last straw".

"During the 60 years of the State of Israel, some of our diplomats have caused us embarrassment, as happens in every country," the official said. "But an ambassador behaving indecently on a public thoroughfare, that has never happened before."

Israel has been rocked by a recent series of misconduct and corruption scandals, shaking public confidence in the political leadership.

Criticism

Haaretz website reports that police found Mr Refael in a San Salvador street two weeks ago. He was inebriated, his hands were tied and he was gagged with a rubber ball in his mouth. In spite of his drunken state, the naked figure reportedly identified himself by his full name and job title.

In 2006, Israel's diplomatic service was criticised by the public watchdog for its appointments system. The state comptroller's report singled out the foreign ministry appointments committee for its inadequate examination of candidates and lack of transparency. (BBC NEWS)

Related post on another Israeli Ambassador's faux pas.
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