On Sunday, Tourism Minister Yoel Razvozov posted a James Bond-themed video on social media to attract tourists to Israel as the peak holiday season comes to an end.
In the minister-funded one-minute video, Razvozov recreates Australian actor Daniel Craig’s vision of the fictional British spy in Casino Royale walking through the water bare-chested.
In addition, the clips show the minister, a former Olympic athlete, posing as the character wearing a tuxedo, drinking a martini and, with a bit of luck, walking around various tourist spots across the country.
In a tweet that posted an excerpt of the video, Razvozov wrote: “The call is Israel. State of Israel”, in the slogan indicated “The call is Bond, James Bond”.
Explaining the video, Razvozov said, “I have an idea of how I can help Israel’s marketing and spread the smart and intelligent appearance we have here in Israel in the world.
“The marketing of Israel globally is hard work and the Ministry of Tourism does it and invests in it,” he added.
Beyond social media posts, Razvozov noted with amusement that he was rarely with Craig during his visits to foreign countries.
When photos of the 40-year-old minister on the beach went viral last year because of his muscular physique, he joked at the time that he was promoting Israel’s coastline.
A member of Yair Lapid’s Yesh Atid party, Razvozov was once a successful judoka, representing Israel at the European Championships, World Championships and Olympic Games.
He entered politics after several injuries ended his career, but he is still an avid athlete and surfs regularly.
The Times of Israel contributed to this report.
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