The former minister, who has been serving as ambassador to the UN for about six months, will take up his second and central position as ambassador to Washington • Outgoing ambassador Ron Drummer will soon return to Israel with his family
Arden and Drummer, last night
Photography:
US Embassy in Washington
Not only is a new president taking office today in the US capital, but also a new Israeli ambassador. Former Minister Gilad Ardan, who has served as Israel's ambassador to the UN for about six months, will take up his second and central position as state ambassador to Washington.
This is the first time since the days of Abba Even in the 1950s that Israel's number one diplomat holds both hats.
Arden will replace Ron Drummer, Prime Minister Netanyahu's closest adviser, who has served as ambassador since 2014.
As a representative of the government and prime minister in Washington, Arden will mediate the relationship between Israel and the new administration, the House of Representatives and the Senate.
The three centers of power are controlled by the Democratic Party, parts of which have become hostile to Israel in recent years.
In addition, many in the party strongly oppose Netanyahu's path, which may make Arden's tenure very challenging.
Arden insiders told Israel Today that since Biden's victory became clear, the new Israeli ambassador has forged ties with senior members of the Democratic side to prepare the ground for the future.
President Biden and Vice President Harris, Israeli citizens look forward to your visit to Jerusalem.
Mazel Tov!
>> pic.twitter.com/kSwBlPecM9
Ambassador Gilad Erdan Gilad Erdan (@ giladerdan1) January 20, 2021
Eight dramatic years
Arden also intends to leverage his background as a senior minister and former cabinet member, to emphasize the importance Netanyahu attaches to ties with the new administration and Congress.
Also, as a former Minister of Environmental Protection, Arden is expected to promote cooperation in the field, which is a high priority for Biden and his people.
Outgoing Ambassador Ron Drummer will soon return with his family to Israel after eight turbulent years.
Drummer, who took part in the inauguration of Nashir Biden yesterday, played a key role in preventing the ratification of the nuclear deal with Iran in the Senate, which could later allow President Trump to resign.
Thanks to his intimate and extraordinary ties with the outgoing administration, his tenure has been extended again and again.
Drummer was in constant contact with senior Trump administration officials, and even with the president himself.
He has been a regular guest at the White House and a secret partner in the historical and dramatic moves of the past four years, many of which have not yet been published.
At the same time, he continued to serve as a very close adviser to Netanyahu and would come to Israel very often.