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New US Ambassador to Israel Resides in Jerusalem

The new US ambassador to Israel, Thomas Nides (AP)
The new US ambassador to Israel, Thomas Nides (AP)
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New US Ambassador to Israel Resides in Jerusalem

The new US ambassador to Israel, Thomas Nides (AP)
The new US ambassador to Israel, Thomas Nides (AP)

The new US ambassador to Israel, Thomas Nides, announced that he will not use the traditional home of his country's ambassadors in Herzliya and will move to a house in West Jerusalem.

Diplomatic sources in Tel Aviv said that the US State Department envoys have tried for six months to find a suitable house that suits the security needs, delaying Nides' move to Israel.

Nides may rent or buy the house of the Belgian consul in West Jerusalem, between the residences of the Prime Minister and the President.

Nides announced on Twitter that landing in Israel to be "US Ambassador is another moment I'll never forget."

"I'll spend my first couple days in quarantine, following the latest COVID guidelines. My thanks to the dedicated medical staff at Ben Gurion working to keep us all safe. I'm eagerly awaiting a negative test result so I can begin to meet many of you soon!"

The US embassy in Tel Aviv described Nides as having a distinguished record as a leader, extensive experience in government as both a policymaker and administrator and a wide-ranging engagement in the public and private sectors domestically and internationally, noting that he is a well-qualified candidate to be the ambassador.

Born in 1961 to a Jewish family in Duluth, Minnesota, Nides is a banking executive and was the managing director and vice-chairman of Morgan Stanley and has served in multiple financial institutions, including Credit Suisse and Burson-Marsteller.

From 2011 to 2013, he served as deputy secretary for management and resources under former US president Barack Obama. He has also served in several other government positions.

Nides replaces former Ambassador David Friedman, who led the transition from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, which he chose as the headquarters for the consulate.

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Khamenei Urges Iraq’s PM to Strengthen Popular Mobilization Forces

Sudani and Pezeshkian hold a joint press conference in Tehran. (Iranian presidency)
Sudani and Pezeshkian hold a joint press conference in Tehran. (Iranian presidency)
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Khamenei Urges Iraq’s PM to Strengthen Popular Mobilization Forces

Sudani and Pezeshkian hold a joint press conference in Tehran. (Iranian presidency)
Sudani and Pezeshkian hold a joint press conference in Tehran. (Iranian presidency)

Iran and Iraq have acknowledged Syria as a shared concern and called for preserving its territorial integrity and working together to establish security and stability in the country.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei urged Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to “preserve and strengthen the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF),” describing the presence of US forces in Iraq as “illegal and contrary to the interests of the Iraqi people and government.”

During his meeting with Sudani, Khamenei said: “The indicators suggest that the Americans are seeking to solidify and expand their presence in Iraq, and this occupation must be firmly opposed.”

He further emphasized the importance of “unity and harmony among Iraq’s diverse sectarian and ethnic groups.”

Khamenei’s remarks came as he held discussions with Sudani on regional developments, including the situation in Syria and the removal of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

According to Khamenei’s official website, Sudani expressed satisfaction with the talks in Tehran and hoped that the “negotiations and agreements signed would enhance and deepen the relationship between the two nations.”

He reiterated Iraq’s consistent stance of supporting “the will of the Syrian people, safeguarding its independence and territorial integrity, and working towards forming an inclusive government.”

Earlier on Wednesday, Sudani met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian

to discuss regional developments and to expand bilateral cooperation in various fields.

In a joint press conference, Pezeshkian described Iraq as a key partner for Iran, stating: “We are pleased that relations between the two countries are at their highest levels, with cooperation expanding day by day.”

“Iran constantly strives for peace, stability, and development in the region. The security, growth, and welfare of the Iraqi people are of great importance to Iran,” he added.

The Iranian president noted that the two nations share concerns regarding Syria, including its stability, territorial unity, combating terrorist groups, the removal of Israeli influence from occupied areas, and the protection of Shiite religious sites.

He stressed that the resurgence of terrorism and the reactivation of terrorist cells remain a shared threat, making collaboration and vigilance between Iraq and Iran more crucial than ever.

During his visit, Sudani reiterated Iraq’s respect for “the will of the Syrian people” and its support for “any political or constitutional system they choose without foreign interference.”

He also expressed Iraq’s readiness to cooperate with all parties to facilitate a peaceful transition in Syria that reflects the people’s aspirations.

Sudani landed in Tehran on Wednesday for an official one-day visit. Upon his arrival at Mehrabad Airport in western Tehran, he was received by Iranian Minister of Economy Abdolnasser Hemmati.