The White House officially nominated Hebrew-speaking, Middle East expert Dan Shapiro to serve as the next U.S. ambassador to Israel, the White House announced today. Speculation swirled last month that Shapiro would get the nod to replace James Cunningham in Tel Aviv. Shapiro is a trusted White House aide who serves as the National Security Council’s Senior Director for the Middle East and North Africa. He previously held several positions on Capitol Hill and his confirmation process will not likely face major opposition.
From the White House:
Daniel B. Shapiro, Nominee for Ambassador to Israel, Department of State
Daniel B. Shapiro is currently Senior Director for the Middle East and North Africa on the National Security Staff at the White House, a position he has held since January of 2009. Mr. Shapiro served as a Senior Policy Advisor with a focus on Middle East policy on the Obama for America campaign and the Obama-Biden Transition. From 2007 to 2008, Mr. Shapiro was Vice President of Timmons and Company, and from 2001 to 2007, he served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director for U.S. Senator Bill Nelson. Prior to that, Mr. Shapiro served as Director for Legislative Affairs at the National Security Council during the Clinton Administration. From 1995 to 1999, he was a Legislative Assistant for U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, and from 1993 to 1995, he served as a Professional Staff Member on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Mr. Shapiro holds an A.M. from Harvard University and a B.A. from Brandeis University.
