Israel Matzav

It's official: Ambassador Oren is returning to Israel

Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Michael Oren, told Haaretz on Friday night that he plans to complete his term of service in the fall.

"After over four years I will complete my duties this coming fall,” Oren said in a statement. “I am grateful for the opportunity I have been given to represent Israel and its government…Israel and the United States have always, and will always enjoy a special relationship, and I have had the privilege of playing a central role in shaping these bonds, and making them stronger. I hope to continue to serve Israel in the future.”

Oren was appointed ambassador to the U.S. in 2009. His term was extended by three months after the last Israeli election, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had yet to decide who would replace him. Oren, however, told Netanyahu that he wished to return to Israel and did not want his term extended.

The leading candidate to replace Oren as Israel’s ambassador to Washington is his associate Ron Dermer, who has served as Netanyahu’s political consultant over the past four years. Netanyahu has yet to make an official statement naming Dermer Oren’s successor, as he has not made a final decision on the matter.

I hope Dermer becomes Oren's successor, and that by the time he leaves Washington there's a Republican President. 

Labels: Binyamin Netanyahu, Michael Oren, Ron Dermer

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 2:10 PM