Netanyahu Appoints Yechiel Leiter as Israel’s Next Ambassador to the United States

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has selected Yechiel Leiter, a seasoned official with a strong background in the settlement movement, as Israel’s new ambassador to the United States. Leiter, who will formally assume office on January 20, coinciding with President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House, brings a diverse background in Israeli governance, advocacy, and academia.

“Yechiel Leiter is a highly talented diplomat, an eloquent speaker, and has a deep understanding of American culture and politics,” Netanyahu said. “I am convinced that Yechiel will represent Israel in the best possible way, and I wish him success in his role.”

A Storied Career in Israeli Politics and Advocacy

US-born Leiter, who immigrated to Israel in 1978 at the age of 18 so he could enlist in the IDF. He served in the First Lebanon War as a combat medic and holds a PhD from Haifa University. He later went on to serve in several roles including as deputy director-general of the Education Ministry, chief of staff for Netanyahu during his tenure as finance minister, and acting chairman of the Ports Authority. Leiter is also the director-general of the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs think tank and teaches philosophy at Ono Academic College.

Leiter has long been involved in the settlement movement. He resides in Alon Shvut, part of the Gush Etzion settlement bloc, and has actively promoted settlement development in Judea and Samaria. In 1994, he published A Peace Plan to Resist, which opposed the Oslo Accords, and has advocated for the annexation of the West Bank in recent years.

Family Ties to Israel’s Security Challenges

Leiter’s appointment comes nearly a year after the death of his son, Maj. (res.) Moshe Leiter, who was killed fighting Hamas in Gaza. Netanyahu highlighted Moshe’s story during a speech to the U.S. Congress in July, and Leiter’s appointment as ambassador marks another connection to Israel’s ongoing security and diplomatic efforts.

Transition of Ambassadors Amid Shifting U.S.-Israel Relations

Leiter’s predecessor, Michael Herzog, was asked to extend his term until Trump’s inauguration on January 20, effectively ending Herzog’s tenure, as he was appointed by the previous Israeli government. Initially, Netanyahu had offered the role to Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, a former ambassador to the U.S., and later to adviser Ophir Falk, both of whom declined.

Netanyahu’s choice of Leiter reflects a desire for an ambassador with a strong stance on security and settlement issues. Trump’s administration is expected to renew a hawkish stance on Iran and adopt policies favorable to Israel’s settlement initiatives.

U.S.-Israel Collaboration on Security Issues

Amid ongoing hostilities, Trump has reportedly encouraged Israel to resolve the conflict in Gaza before his inauguration, including efforts to secure the return of hostages held by Hamas. With 97 hostages still in Gaza, including at least 34 confirmed fatalities, Trump’s transition team faces calls from the families of American hostages to prioritize their release.

As the incoming ambassador, Leiter will play a critical role in navigating these complex diplomatic, security, and humanitarian issues, reflecting both his personal ties to Israel’s defense and his commitment to advancing Israel’s position in the U.S.