Netanyahu appoints settlement activist Yechiel Leiter ambassador to Washington

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appointed Yechiel Leiter as Israel’s ambassador to Washington on Friday, replacing current ambassador Michael Herzog.

Leiter is considered close to Netanyahu and previously served as Netanyahu’s chief of staff.

Leiter was born in the US and immigrated to Israel about 40 years ago. He actively supports settlements, especially in the Old City of Hebron, and lives in the Eli settlement in the occupied West Bank.

A statement issued by Netanyahu’s office relayed that Leiter held senior positions in the government, including deputy director-general of the Education Ministry, chief of staff of then-finance minister, Netanyahu, and acting chair of the Ports Authority.

The statement added that Leiter has a profound knowledge of the US administration and society, noting that Leiter’s son was killed during the war on Gaza a year ago.

According to the statement by the Prime Minister’s office: “Yechiel Leiter is a talented diplomat, an articulate speaker and has a deep understanding of American culture and politics. I am convinced he will represent the State of Israel in the best way and wish him luck in his new role.”

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