Israeli lobby condemns Netanyahu appointment of extremist as US envoy
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Yechiel Leiter's appointment has drawn significant controversy due to his extremism and history as a prominent leader in the Israeli settlement movement.
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Israeli and American flags appear before a meeting between Vice President Kamala Harris and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Vice President's Ceremonial Office on the White House complex in Washington, the United States, on July 25, 2024. (AP)
J Street, a prominent liberal Zionist advocacy group, has condemned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's appointment of Yechiel Leiter as "Israel's" next ambassador to the United States.
Labeling Leiter an "extremist settler", the organization voiced strong concerns that his appointment signals Netanyahu's intent, along with his extremist allies, to advance policies favoring further usurpation over "peace and stability."
"This appointment is a blaring warning siren about the intentions of Netanyahu and his far-right allies," J Street's statement read.
Read more: No such thing as leftist, centrist, or rightist in Israeli government
The group highlighted parallels to previous administrations, suggesting that, as during former US President Trump's term, Netanyahu may once again push more occupation agendas at the cost of "peace and security."
The appointment of an extremist settler for Israel’s US Ambassador is a blaring warning siren about the intentions of Netanyahu and his far-right allies. Like last time, Trump and Netanyahu will promote annexation above the peace and safety of Israelis and Palestinians. https://t.co/5Xx3nVcIhL
— J Street (@jstreetdotorg) November 8, 2024
"As Ambassador, Dr. Leiter should ensure he engages with the profound concerns of the vast majority of Jewish Americans and Democratic Members of Congress who oppose annexation and want to see hostages returned and an end to the war in Gaza," J Street said in a separate statement on X.
Who is Leiter?
Yechiel Leiter's appointment has drawn significant controversy due to his extremism and history as a prominent leader in the Israeli settlement movement.
Born in the US and an advocate for the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, Leiter’s views align closely with those of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's hardline policies.
His background includes leadership roles within the Yesha Council, a body that represents West Bank settlements, and connections to influential policy groups that back settlement expansion.
He has served as a political advisor to Ariel Sharon and deputy director general of the Israeli Ministry of Education, where he was involved in planning significant educational reforms.
Following the death of his son in Gaza in 2023, Leiter publicly addressed US President Joe Biden, urging him not to pressure "Israel" into a ceasefire and framing the war as a fight for "democratic values."
Consolidating power
The appointment comes amid heightened tensions within the Israeli leadership.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently dismissed Security Minister Yoav Gallant, replacing him with Foreign Minister Israel Katz, sparking a widespread public backlash.
The timing of Gallant's dismissal has led critics to accuse Netanyahu of political maneuvering, with reports from Maariv suggesting that this move is part of a larger strategy to reshape "Israel's" security institutions with loyalists.
Gallant is believed to be just the first target, with the Chief of Staff and the head of Shin Bet potentially next in line.
The Maariv article by Ben Caspit accused Netanyahu of seeking to consolidate power by promoting third-tier officials into top security positions, prioritizing loyalty over qualifications. Observers argue this reshaping of "Israel’s" security apparatus, particularly during a time of heightened conflict, compromises the integrity of "Israel’s" defense systems.
Read more: Netanyahu's coalition support down after Gallant sacking: Poll
After news of Gallant’s dismissal broke, hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Tel Aviv, shutting down the Ayalon Highway in a show of defiance.
This public outcry echoes broader concerns about Netanyahu’s political decisions, with Maariv portraying the Prime Minister as an "agent of chaos" whose actions prioritize his political survival and coalition stability, particularly his alliance with ultra-Orthodox parties, over "Israel's" security.
