Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appointed U.S.-born Yechiel Leiter, an official who previously served as chief of staff in the finance ministry, as the next Israeli ambassador to the United States. “Yechiel Leiter is a highly capable diplomat, an eloquent speaker, and possesses a deep understanding of American culture and politics,” Netanyahu said in a statement. His appointment was also welcomed by Yisrael Ganz, the head of the Yesha Council, an umbrella organisation representing councils of Jewish settlements in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, a territory Palestinians want as part of a future state. As well as serving in the finance ministry, Leiter also held positions as deputy director general in the Education Ministry and acting chairman of the Israel Ports Company. His son was killed last year in the Gaza war against Palestinian militant group Hamas while serving with the Israeli military.

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Persons: Benjamin Netanyahu, Yechiel Leiter, “ Yechiel Leiter, ” Netanyahu, Yisrael Ganz, Ganz, Leiter, Israel, Leiter’s, Donald Trump’s Organizations: U.S, Yesha Council, West Bank, Education Ministry, Israel Ports Company, Palestinian, Hamas Locations: United States, Gush Etzion, Judea, Samaria, Gaza