Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appointed Yechiel Leiter, a U.S.-born diplomat with experience in Israel’s finance ministry, as the country’s new ambassador to the United States.
Netanyahu praised Leiter as a skilled diplomat with a strong understanding of American culture and politics. Leiter, who previously served as chief of staff in the finance ministry, also held roles in Israel’s Education Ministry and the Israel Ports Company.
Leiter’s appointment was met with approval from figures like Yisrael Ganz, head of the Yesha Council, which represents Jewish settlements in the West Bank. Ganz described Leiter as an influential advocate for the region, particularly in English-language outreach.
Leiter, who lives in the Gush Etzion settlement, takes up the post shortly after Donald Trump’s re-election as U.S. president, a victory widely celebrated in Israel due to his support for Israeli interests. Leiter’s son, who was killed in last year’s Gaza conflict, also served in the Israeli military.
Peoplesmind
