Mark Regev, the spokesman for Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has been confirmed as the new Israeli ambassador to Britain.

The Foreign Ministry confirmed on Monday that Mr Regev will be succeeding Daniel Taub this autumn, after rumours of his appointment emerged last month .

Fifty-five-year-old Mr Regev, who was born in Australia and emigrated to Israel in 1982, has served as a diplomat for around 20 years, primarily as a media spokesperson.

Simon Johnson, CEO of the Jewish Leadership Council, welcomed the confirmation.

He said: “The JLC looks forward to working with Mark Regev in his new role.

"As a former spokesperson for the Israeli Prime Minister, Mark Regev brings with him a wealth of experience in engaging with the media. That the Israeli government has placed such a high profile advocate in the UK shows how vital the UK-Israel relationship continues to be."

He added: “The trade and cultural ties which the United Kingdom and Israel enjoy is vital to the Jewish community. I am sure that Mr Regev will continue to grow those associations through his engagements within the community as well as progressing the important political links between our two countries.”

Board of Deputies president Jonathan Arkush said: “The Board on behalf of the Jewish community will give Mark Regev the warmest welcome and wishes him every success in his new role as ambassador. As Israel’s government spokesperson he has shown himself to be a calm and eloquent advocate of Israel’s case.”