Paraguay Seeks TV Host as Honorary Consul in Israel Amid Criticism

Paraguay has formally requested the appointment of Israeli television host and spokesperson for the city of Harish, Avi Kacoun, as its honorary consul in Israel. The unusual request followed a meeting between Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi and his Paraguayan counterpart, Rubén Ramírez Lezcano.

Sources familiar with the matter told Ynet that Kacoun lacks any connection to Paraguay, beyond ties to Israeli businessmen in Miami who have business interests there. According to these sources, Kacoun has never visited Paraguay, does not speak Spanish, and has no knowledge of the country, contradicting the foreign service regulations that require an honorary consul to have a connection to the appointing country.

Kacoun, a Likud party member, hosts the television program "Almost Shabbat Shalom" and is known as the partner of Magen Tביבי from Channel 14. Those aware of the situation described the appointment as "completely baffling," questioning how Kacoun could represent Paraguay without any ties to the nation. The nomination has reportedly caused resentment among those familiar with Israel-Paraguay relations.

According to protocol, when a country wishes to appoint an Israeli citizen as an honorary consul, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs must approve it. This approval process involves a ministry committee reviewing the request and making a recommendation to the Director-General. To date, no such approval has been granted. Honorary consuls primarily receive ceremonial privileges, such as diplomatic plates and a state flag, though Paraguay already maintains an embassy in Israel.

In response, the office of Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi stated that Kacoun is Paraguay's official nominee and that the process is proceeding normally. They dismissed anonymous claims as baseless, asserting that Kacoun has business connections and activities in Paraguay. Kacoun himself declined to comment, referring inquiries to the Foreign Ministry, and the Paraguayan ambassador to Israel did not respond to repeated requests for comment.