Speculation has been rife for weeks that Ron Dermer, a top adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, will succeed Michael Oren as Israel’s ambassador to Washington. An Israel Radio report suggested as much last week. This morning the rumors were seemingly confirmed by Emergency Committee for Israel Executive director Noah Pollak:
Ron Dermer will be named Israel’s next ambassador to the U.S. today
— Noah Pollak (@NoahPollak) July 9, 2013
The Prime Minister’s Office has thus far not confirmed the news. If true, Dermer would likely take up the post when Oren’s four-year term ends next month.
The would-be ambassador was born in Miami Beach to Jay Dermer, a lawyer and onetime mayor of the city, and an Israeli-born mother. His brother, David, served as mayor of Miami. Like Oren, Dermer was born and raised in the United States and moved to Israel in his 20’s. Dermer holds a BA from the University of Pennsylvania and a Masters in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from Oxford.
He moved to Israel in 1996. He subsequently co-authored a bestselling book, The Case for Democracy, with human rights activist-turned-parliamentarian Natan Sharansky.
From 2004 to 2008 Dermer served as Israel’s economic attache in Washington. Upon returning to Jerusalem he served as Netanyahu’s campaign manager. Despite keeping a low public profile, Dermer is considered Netanyahu’s closest strategic adviser. He has been nicknamed “Bibi’s Brain.”
Dermer lives with his wife and five children in Jerusalem.
UPDATE: Confirmed –
PM Netanyahu has appointed Ron Dermer as Israel’s next ambassador to the United States.
— Ofir Gendelman (@ofirgendelman) July 9, 2013
[Photo: Israel Always / Vimeo]