Israel’s Foreign Ministry announced the historic decision earlier this week.

Ambassador Deek, who hails from Jaffa, is the first Arab Christian to receive the honour.

The newly appointed emissary previously served Deputy Ambassador roles for three years in Nigeria and Norway

Deek also served as temporary director of the Embassy in Oslo during Operation Protective Edge in 2014.

During this post, he organised a successful state visit by former president Shimon Peres.

His efforts were recognised when he received the ministry’s ‘outstanding employee’ award that year.

“He a talented Israeli diplomat who has passed the diplomatic training process with flying colours,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon. “He is a gifted advocate and a popular lecturer. We are proud of his appointment, which symbolises the integration of Israeli diplomats from various backgrounds in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

A sought-after lecturer among pro-Israel organisations, during his Oslo posting, a speech about Israel’s contribution to democracy, tolerance and stability in the Middle East, went viral.

Observers praised it as the best by an Israeli diplomat.

Ambassador Deek received a bachelor’s degree in Government and Law from the Interdisciplinary Centre Herzliya, where he won the Fulbright scholarship to attend Georgetown University, graduating in International Law.

He began practicing law in 2007, serving the Foreign Ministry’s International Law Department.