Michael Oren tapped as next envoy to U.S.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman have chosen Michael Oren as Israel's next ambassador to Washington. The cabinet is expected to approve the appointment before Netanyahu's visit to Washington on May 17.

Oren, who will replace Ehud Olmert's man, Sallai Meridor, arrived in Israel last week from the United States, where he teaches at Georgetown University. He held meetings on Thursday with the prime minister and Lieberman.

The appointment will be brought before the cabinet for approval next Sunday so Oren will be able to start work ahead of Netanyahu's visit to Washington.

Oren, 54, is a best-selling author on Israeli history; much of his research has centered on the Six-Day War. He is also a senior fellow at the Shalem Center, which is headed by former MK Natan Sharansky and funded by Sheldon Arison, a close friend of Netanyahu.

Oren is a U.S. native and holds dual citizenship. By law he will have to relinquish his American citizenship before becoming ambassador.

Oren holds the rank of major in the reserves in the Israel Defense Forces, and during the past few years has served in the IDF Spokesman's Office.

One of his first tasks will be to take part in the planning for Netanyahu's visit to Washington. Immediately afterward he will begin developing working relations with the administration.

Oren is an erudite speaker; his appointment reflects the importance Netanyahu places on public relations in Washington and the U.S. media.