Paraguay Nominates Israeli TV Presenter Avi Kachon as Honorary Consul
Paraguay has requested to appoint Israeli TV presenter Avi Kachon as honorary consul, sparking criticism over his lack of ties to the country. The Foreign Ministry stated the process is ongoing.
Paraguay has submitted an unusual official request to appoint Israeli television presenter and Harish municipality spokesperson Avi Kachon as its honorary consul in Israel. The request follows a meeting between Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and Paraguayan Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez Lezcano.
Controversial Nomination and Background
According to Foreign Service regulations, a key criterion for appointing an honorary consul is a demonstrated connection to the appointing country. However, sources familiar with the matter noted that Kachon has no ties to Paraguay other than business connections with Israeli entrepreneurs in Miami who operate in Paraguay. Sources added that he has never visited the country, does not speak Spanish, and lacks any familiarity with the nation.
Kachon is a Likud activist who hosts the television program "Kimat Shabat Shalom" and is known as the partner of Channel 14 anchor Maggy Tabibi. The nomination has drawn criticism from experts and officials familiar with Israeli-Paraguayan relations, who called the choice perplexing and unsuitable.
Regulatory Procedures and Privileges
Under standard procedures, appointing an Israeli citizen as an honorary consul requires approval from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which has not yet been granted. A dedicated committee must review the request and submit a recommendation to the ministry's director-general.
An honorary consul typically receives diplomatic privileges such as diplomatic license plates, a national flag, and a gold-plated sign at their residence, along with customs exemptions on alcohol for national day celebrations. However, since Paraguay maintains an active embassy in Israel, these privileges hold limited practical weight. Currently, there are 144 honorary consuls operating in Israel.
Official Responses
The office of Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar stated in response: "Avi Kachon is the official candidate on behalf of Paraguay, and the procedure regarding him is being conducted properly and in accordance with accepted guidelines. It is incorrect to address baseless claims raised by anonymous sources in the media. We note that contrary to the impression that may arise from the biased phrasing of the questions, the candidate has ties and business activities in Paraguay."
"Avi Kachon is the official candidate on behalf of Paraguay, and the procedure regarding him is being conducted properly and in accordance with accepted guidelines."
Kachon declined to comment and referred inquiries to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Paraguayan Ambassador to Israel Alejandro Rubín also declined to respond despite repeated requests.
