Israel welcomes Mitchell appointment

Capital J

By Eric Fingerhut · January 22, 2009

Israeli Ambassador to the United States Sallai Meridor said he holds newly appointed Middle East envoy George Mitchell "in high regard and looks forward to working with him on taking the next steps towards realizing a future of peace and security for Israel and her neighbors. Here's the ambassador's full statement:

As the United States and Israel continue to work jointly on achieving peace and stability in the Middle East, and of countering the common threat of terrorism and state sponsors of terror from acquiring nuclear weapons, we warmly welcome and congratulate Senator George Mitchell on his appointment as special envoy for Middle East peace.

“Israel holds Senator Mitchell in high regard and looks forward to working with him on taking the next steps towards realizing a future of peace and security for Israel and her neighbors.

“I would also like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Ambassador Richard Holbrooke on his appointment as special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan. Ambassador Holbrooke has been a longstanding friend of Israel and we wish him every success.