Israel’s ambassador to Washingon, Michael Oren, stated on
Friday evening that he expects to complete his term of service this coming
fall. Oren did not specify an exact date in his statement, but a high-ranking
official in Jerusalem has said that Oren will return to Israel in late
September.
"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.
Dermer is a strong candidate as he enjoys a great deal of
trust with the Prime Minster. On the other hand, he is not highly regarded in
the White House. The Obama administration views Dermer as a strong supporter of
the Republican Party, and one of the central figures responsible for the strong
alliance between Netanyahu and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney,
who lost the ele
ction in November 2012.
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