U.S. Middle East envoy Jason Greenblatt will resign within the coming weeks, announced the White House on Thursday.
Reportedly, Greenblatt, who has played a key role in the Trump administration’s Mideast peace plan for the Israelis and the Palestinians, will remain at the White House for another few weeks until the launch of the political component of the proposal following the Sept. 17 Israeli elections.
The economic component was revealed in June at a conference in Bahrain.
Avi Berkowitz, a deputy to White House senior adviser and presidential son-in-law Jared Kushner, will take over most of Greenblatt’s duties.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to have worked in the White House for over two-and-a-half years under the leadership of President [Donald] Trump. I am incredibly grateful to have been part of a team that drafted a vision for peace,” said Greenblatt. “This vision has the potential to vastly improve the lives of millions of Israelis, Palestinians and others in the region.”
“I would like to thank my incredible wife Naomi and my amazing six children for their strength and encouragement,” he continued. “I will thoroughly miss working with my friends and colleagues Jared Kushner, David Friedman and Avi Berkowitz, as well as the many other dedicated individuals within the U.S. government who were instrumental in our efforts.”
On Twitter, President Trump called Greenblatt a “loyal and friend friend and fantastic lawyer.”
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Kushner praised Greenblatt’s efforts in working towards peace in the Middle East as well as forging stronger relationships between the U.S. and its regional allies.
“Jason has done a tremendous job leading the efforts to develop an economic and political vision for a long sought after peace in the Middle East,” said Kushner. “His work has helped develop the relationships between Israel and its neighbors, as he is trusted and respected by all of the leaders throughout the region. He is a close friend and partner, and will continue to make a positive impact on the world.”
U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman said, “It’s been a tremendous privilege to work with Jason these past few years on the critical tasks of repairing and strengthening the U.S.-Israel relationship, and seeking peace and stability within the Middle East. Jason has been a trusted friend and a valued colleague who has touched so many with his wisdom, sincerity and good will. He has made an enormous and indelible contribution, which we will seek to build upon as we move forward.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also thanked Greenblatt for “his dedication toward peace and security, and for never hesitating for a moment to speak the truth about Israel in front of those who defame it.”