Israeli ambassador in apparent suicide bid

The Israeli ambassador to Ethiopia was found shot in the head in his apartment today in what appeared to be a suicide attempt, an official said.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry said Doron Grossman was gravely wounded in a shooting at his home in the capital Addis Ababa and said it did not appear to be a terrorist attack.

An official in Addis said embassy staff went to the ambassadors residence in a hotel apartment after he did not show up for work. He was found inside with a bullet wound to the head, but still alive.

The official said he understood it was an apparent suicide attempt, but had no details.

Grossman’s term in Ethiopia was due to end this week and he was expected to become the next ambassador to South Africa, the official added. He was described as single and in his 50s.

A ministry statement said that senior officials had been sent to investigate the shooting and efforts were being made to fly Grossman back to Israel for medical treatment.