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Odessa Today
By the People, for the People
German Diplomats Reassigned to Key Posts in Moscow, Tel Aviv, Beijing, and New Delhi
The German government has approved personnel changes at several major diplomatic missions.
Published on Feb. 11, 2026
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The German government has announced a series of diplomatic personnel changes, including new ambassadors being appointed to the embassies in Moscow, Tel Aviv, Beijing, and New Delhi. The current German ambassador to Russia, Alexander Lambsdorff, will be transferred to Israel, while Clemens von Goetze, who has extensive diplomatic experience, will take over the Moscow post.
Why it matters
These diplomatic reassignments reflect Germany's efforts to maintain strong relationships and communication channels with key global powers, including Russia, Israel, China, and India, during a period of geopolitical uncertainty.
The details
According to reports, the personnel changes were agreed upon by the German coalition government and must be approved by the Cabinet on February 11. The outgoing ambassador to Israel, Steffen Seibert, will be replaced by Lambsdorff, who has served in Moscow since 2023. Clemens von Goetze, who has previously served as ambassador to Tel Aviv, Beijing, and Tokyo, will take over the Moscow post.
- The German Cabinet is set to approve the diplomatic changes on February 11, 2026.
- Alexander Lambsdorff has been the German ambassador to Russia since the summer of 2023.
The players
Alexander Lambsdorff
The current German ambassador to Russia, who will be transferred to the post of ambassador to Israel.
Clemens von Goetze
An experienced German diplomat who will become the new ambassador to Russia, replacing Lambsdorff. He has previously served as ambassador to Tel Aviv, Beijing, and Tokyo.
Steffen Seibert
The outgoing German ambassador to Israel, who will be replaced by Lambsdorff.
What’s next
The German Cabinet is expected to formally approve the diplomatic personnel changes on February 11, 2026.
The takeaway
These diplomatic reassignments demonstrate Germany's commitment to maintaining strong relationships with key global powers during a period of geopolitical uncertainty, as it seeks to ensure effective communication and representation at its embassies in Moscow, Tel Aviv, Beijing, and New Delhi.
