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Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, appointed US-born Yechiel Leiter, an official who previously served as chief of staff in the finance ministry, as the next Israeli ambassador to the United States.
“Yechiel Leiter is a highly capable diplomat, an eloquent speaker, and possesses a deep understanding of American culture and politics,” Netanyahu said in a statement on Friday.
Leiter’s appointment came three days after Donald Trump’s election to a second term as U.S. president, celebrated by many Israelis because of his strong support for Israel.
As well as serving in the finance ministry, Leiter held positions as deputy director general in the Education Ministry and acting chairman of the Israel Ports Company.
His son was killed last year in the Gaza war against Palestinian militant group Hamas while serving with the Israeli military.
Leiter’s appointment was also welcomed by Yisrael Ganz, the head of the Yesha Council, an umbrella organisation representing councils of Jewish…
