Obama's Israel Envoy to Join Tel Aviv-based Think Tank
Dan Shapiro, who served as ambassador for six years, will participate in various research programs on Israel's ties with the U.S., the Palestinians and the Arab World.
Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro will join the Tel Aviv-based Institute for National Security Studies as a visiting fellow, the think tank announced on its website on Sunday.
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Shapiro, who was appointed by former President Barack Obama in 2011 and left his post on January 20, said he was "honored" to join the organization, where he will participate in various research programs on Israel's ties with the U.S., the Palestinians and the Arab World.
The former diplomat's decision to remain in Israel as a private citizen after leaving his job as ambassador was a highly unusual move.
Shapiro’s six years as envoy were turbulent, working to keep the channels of communication between the two countries together at a time of unparalleled personal animosity between the White House and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Shapiro did not expect to see his tenure as ambassador extended beyond that of Obama, even if Hillary Clinton had been elected president.