WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama intends to nominate Daniel Shapiro, a trusted adviser on the Middle East, as U.S. ambassador to Israel.
Shapiro is senior director for the Middle East and North Africa on the White House national-security staff. He would replace Ambassador James B. Cunningham, a veteran diplomat who has held the post in Israel since 2008.
An Illinois native, Shapiro advised Obama during his 2008 presidential campaign. He has a long history as a policy adviser on the Mideast, including work as a top aide to Democratic Sens. Bill Nelson of Florida and Dianne Feinstein of California and former Rep. Lee Hamilton of Indiana. He was director of legislative affairs for the National Security Council during the Clinton administration.
In speeches, Shapiro has voiced support for Obama’s drive for a two-state solution and a compromise between Israel and Palestinians.
The Associated Press
