Cabinet OKs Yechiel Leiter as Israel's envoy to Washington

(JNS) — Israel’s government unanimously approved the appointment of Yechiel Leiter as ambassador to the United States.

Leiter will replace Michael Herzog—the outgoing ambassador and older brother of the Israeli president—on Jan. 24, four days after the Trump administration takes office. 

Before that, Herzog and Leiter will work together to ensure a smooth transition. 

The Cabinet OK’d the nomination after an appointments committee headed by the Civil Service commissioner recommended that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s selection be approved.

The committee said it was impressed by Leiter, “his unique experience, his value-oriented personality and his good understanding with the areas connected with the position and the challenges that lie ahead.”

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said, “Dr. Yechiel Leiter brings with him professionalism, a deep understanding of the relationship between the countries and a clear commitment to representing Israel’s national interests. I am convinced that he will make a significant contribution to strengthening the most important relationship of the State of Israel — with the United States.”

Netanyahu named Leiter, a Scranton, Pa.-born historian of philosophy, public policy analyst and rabbi, and his chief of staff when he was finance minister, to the ambassador position on Nov. 8.

“Yechiel Leiter is a highly capable diplomat, an eloquent speaker and possesses a deep understanding of American culture and politics,” Netanyahu said on Friday. “I am convinced that Yechiel will represent the State of Israel in the best way possible. I wish him success in his position.”

Leiter has served as deputy director-general of the Israeli Education Ministry and as acting chairman of the Israel Ports Company.

“His son, Maj. Moshe Yedidya Leiter, of blessed memory, fell in combat in Gaza on Nov. 10, 2023,” Netanyahu added.

The prime minister thanked Herzog “for his work over the last three years and for his significant and professional contribution, especially during the challenging war period.”

Herzog represented Israel “honorably” before U.S. officials, “Congress, civil society organizations, the global media and the American Jewish community,” Netanyahu said.

Then-Prime Minister Naftali Bennett appointed Herzog the Israeli envoy in Washington in the summer of 2021. Herzog is a retired Israel Defense Forces brigadier general and held senior positions in the Defense Ministry between 2001 and 2009.

Herzog was handpicked by Netanyahu as a special envoy during the 2009-10 peace negotiations and conducted secret backchannel talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority in 2013-14.

His established relationships with President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and others in the administration through his participation in earlier peace talks were a key element that led to his selection for the high-profile role in Washington.