Ambassador Oren Stepping Down

YERUSHALAYIM
Israel’s ambassador to the United States Michael B. Oren. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
Israel’s ambassador to the United States Michael B. Oren. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Michael Oren, will be leaving his post in September, according to media reports.

“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.

The leading candidate to replace Oren is reportedly Ron Dermer, a longtime advisor to Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu. However, no official word has gone out on the appointment.

Dermer was a Republican Party activist and said to be instrumental in the alliance between Netanyahu and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, a resume line which could adversely affect his ambassadorial prospects.

On the other hand, as close to Netanyahu, Dermer might enjoy the advantage of speaking with the authority of the prime minister. Oren, like other Israeli envoys to Washington, was seen as being largely sidelined, as Netanyahu dealt with the White House directly or through his own staff.

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