Paraguay Seeks TV Host as Honorary Consul, Sparking Controversy

Paraguay has officially requested that Israeli television presenter Avi Kacoun be appointed as its honorary consul in Israel, a move that has drawn criticism from foreign relations experts. The appointment request emerged following a meeting between Israeli Foreign Minister G Gideon Sa'ar and his Paraguayan counterpart, Rubén Ramírez Lezcano.

Sources familiar with Israeli foreign relations told YNET that Kacoun, a member of the Likud party and host of "Almost Shabbat Shalom" on Channel 12, allegedly lacks prior connections to Paraguay, does not speak Spanish, and has never visited the South American nation. These critics argue that the appointment violates standard requirements for honorary consul positions, which typically necessitate a genuine link to the appointing country.

However, the Foreign Ministry has refuted these claims, stating that Kacoun possesses business ties and activities within Paraguay. Honorary consuls receive representative privileges, including diplomatic license plates, the right to fly their designated country's flag, and a golden plaque at their residence. Israel currently hosts 144 honorary consuls.

The appointment is not yet final. The process requires review and recommendation by a professional committee within the Foreign Ministry, followed by approval from the ministry's director-general. A spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry confirmed that Kacoun is Paraguay's official candidate and that the process is proceeding as normal. Kacoun himself declined to comment, referring inquiries to the Foreign Ministry, while the Paraguayan ambassador to Israel, Alejandro Rubin, did not respond to requests for comment.