JERUSALEM (JTA) — Israel’s Cabinet unanimously approved the appointment of Ron Dermer as Israeli ambassador to the United States.
The appointment of Dermer, a former senior adviser to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was approved Sunday during the regular weekly Cabinet meeting.
Dermer, who immigrated to Israel from Florida 15 years ago, succeeds Michael Oren, a New Jersey native. Oren announced on July 5 that he would be vacating his post in the fall.
“Ron is one of the most talented and dedicated people I know,” Netanyahu said after the vote. “No one is more appropriate. He will continue the exceptional work of outgoing Ambassador Michael Oren; I am certain that Ron will continue this work.”
Dermer is scheduled to take the post next month, but could be delayed because of a strike by Foreign Ministry employees. The ministry’s workers are refusing to arrange his diplomatic passport, process his transfer to Washington or arrange for his departing airplane ticket, according to the Times of Israel.
In addition to not having completed his diplomatic paperwork, Dermer has not received a preparation course required for new diplomats. The embassy also has not requested permits from the United States needed for a new ambassador, according to the Times of Israel.
