Daniel Ayalon

Daniel Ayalon studied economics at Tel Aviv University and business administration at Bowling Green State University before entering diplomacy. His postings included Panama and the United Nations. He advised Benjamin Netanyahu, Ehud Barak, and Ariel Sharon on foreign affairs and joined Israeli delegations at the Wye and Camp David summits. ¹

As ambassador from 2002 to 2006, Ayalon worked with the Bush administration on the Roadmap for Peace and Sharon's disengagement plan. He participated in negotiations leading to the April 2004 exchange of letters between Bush and Sharon. He also traveled beyond Washington to speak with Jewish and Christian communities, business leaders, and universities, explaining Israeli policy during a period of violence and diplomatic argument. ^{1, 2}

After returning to Israel he became cochair of Nefesh B'Nefesh, supporting immigration from North America. He entered the Knesset with Yisrael Beiteinu in 2009 and became deputy foreign minister. ^{3, 2}