Biden Taps Nides as Ambassador to Israel

US President Joe Biden on Tuesday announced his nominee for the position of ambassador to Israel, tapping Morgan Stanley Vice Chairman Thomas Nides for the role. Nides, “a distinguished public servant and business leader” per the White House’s statement, served as deputy secretary of state for management and resources during the Obama administration and is a former chief of staff and adviser for several congressional and government offices. Following his anticipated confirmation in the Senate, he will be tasked with forging ties with a new Jerusalem government, sworn in earlier this week after 12 straight years of former Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s rule. The US and Israel are on a collision course of sorts over the ongoing talks with Iran about a renewed nuclear agreement. President Biden’s announcement on Tuesday also included ambassadorial nominations to Mexico, Sri Lanka, Gambia, Guinea, Paraguay and Costa Rica.