Fri Nov 08 16:42:04 UTC 2024: ## Controversial Israeli Settler Appointed as Ambassador to US Under Trump’s Second Term

**Jerusalem, [Date]** – Yechiel Leiter, a vocal advocate for Israeli settlement expansion and a resident of an illegal settlement in the occupied West Bank, has been chosen by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as Israel’s new ambassador to the United States. This appointment comes days after Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election, signaling a potential shift in US-Israel policy.

Leiter, born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, has a history of serving in Israeli government roles, including as Netanyahu’s Chief of Staff. He has also been a vocal supporter of increased military involvement in Gaza and Lebanon, particularly for the families of soldiers who have lost their lives. His son, Moshe Leiter, was killed in Gaza last year.

Experts view Leiter’s appointment as a strategic move by Netanyahu to align Israel’s foreign policy with the pro-settlement agenda of the Trump administration. Trump, a staunch supporter of Israel, has previously recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, moved the US embassy to Jerusalem, and reversed the US stance on the legality of settlements in the West Bank.

While the Biden administration has expressed concern about the expansion of settlements, they have stopped short of using military aid as leverage to curb the practice. However, some analysts predict that a Trump administration would likely reverse these measures, potentially paving the way for further annexation of the West Bank and the resettlement of Gaza.

Critics of the appointment have pointed out Leiter’s affiliation with the One Israel Fund, a New York-based organization that supports settlements in the occupied West Bank. They fear that Leiter’s influence in Washington could further embolden the Israeli government to pursue policies that violate international law and exacerbate tensions in the region.

The appointment of Leiter, a controversial figure with a strong pro-settlement stance, is viewed as a clear sign of the direction Netanyahu intends to take Israeli policy under a second Trump administration. It is anticipated to be a significant factor in shaping the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the overall landscape of the Middle East.

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