The cabinet on Sunday confirmed Michael Herzog’s appointment as the next ambassador to the US.
Foreign Minister Yair Lapid congratulated Herzog, calling him “the right person for the job.”“I am looking forward to working together to maintain the special relationship with our most important strategic partner, the US,” he tweeted.
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett in August said Herzog, a security expert and veteran peace negotiator who is President Isaac Herzog’s brother, would be the next ambassador to the US.
Bennett said he chose Herzog “in light of his rich, years-long experience in the security and diplomatic fields and his deep familiarity with the strategic challenges Israel is facing, foremost the Iranian nuclear threat.”
Appointing someone viewed as one of Israel’s top security experts and also someone whose career has been apolitical, despite coming from a famous Labor Party family, is “meant to send a message” to Washington, a source in Jerusalem said.
Herzog was former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s special envoy for the peace process in 2009-2010 and was a negotiator in the secret channel between Israel and the Palestinians in 2013-2014.
Ambassador to the US Gilad Erdan tendered his resignation in June. He is expected to remain Israel’s ambassador to the UN.
Also on Sunday, the appointment of Dr. Ronen Hoffman as Israeli ambassador to Canada was approved.
The former Yesh Atid MK has a doctorate in government, foreign affairs, and political psychology.
Lapid congratulated Hoffman, saying he "has the necessary experience and professional knowledge that will assist him in conducting the job in the best possible manner. Good luck."