Israeli opposition leader Isaac Herzog was unanimously approved as the next chairman of the Jewish Agency on Sunday, in a rejection of Benjamin Netanyahu’s nominee for the role.

He will replace Natan Sharansky at the head of the organisation, which is the largest Jewish non-profit organisation in the world, on August 1.

“The Jewish Agency is the narrow bridge that connects the State of Israel and the Jewish people wherever they are," Mr Herzog said after accepting the nomination, Haaretz reported.

“This bridge now has to confront great challenges that face our people. They are at risk, at a crossroads – and we have to do everything we can do to ensure unity of the Jewish people, especially the young generation.”

He added: “A Jew is a Jew is a Jew, no matter whatever stream and whatever skullcap he puts on his head.”

Mr Netanyahu had pushed for his Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz to be given the position, but he was rejected after an interview earlier this week.

It is thought to be the first time since 1995 that an Israeli Prime Minister nominee for the chairmanship has been refused.

Isaac Herzog contested the 2015 general election as leader of Israel’s opposition Labour Party but lost to Mr Netanyahu.

He was eliminated in a Labour leadership contest in July 2017 and replaced by Avi Gabbay.