US Ambassador to Israel Tom Nides is set to leave his position this summer after serving nearly two years in Jerusalem.
The ambassador’s departure was first reported by the Axios news site and confirmed by an embassy spokesperson, who told The Media Line, “Yes, it’s true that Ambassador Nides met with his senior staff this morning to inform them of his intent to step down this summer.”
Nides’ exit comes as the Netanyahu government’s controversial judicial overhaul complicates the US-Israel relationship, with President Joe Biden yet to invite Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to the White House.
During a working visit to Washington last week, Nides informed Secretary of State Tony Blinken and White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan of his plans to finish his posting this summer, citing personal reasons for his departure. Nides also notified the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office of his decision.
Throughout his tenure, Nides has worked with three different prime ministers and earned the respect of Israeli politicians across the political spectrum. However, the past four months have been especially tumultuous for US-Israeli relations, with Nides having to deliver stern messages to Netanyahu regarding the judicial overhaul plan.
Stephanie Hallett, the deputy chief of mission at the US Embassy in Jerusalem, is expected to serve as chargé d’affaires once Nides steps down. The political climate in Washington and the presidential campaign could make it difficult for President Biden to quickly confirm a new ambassador.
Don’t miss our exclusive in-depth interview with Ambassador Nides [3], conducted by The Media Line’s Felice Friedson, as he shares his insights and experiences ahead of President Biden’s visit to Israel in July 2022.