J Street Welcomes Appointment of Susan Rice and Nomination of Samantha Power

J Street welcomes the appointment of Ambassador Susan Rice to succeed National Security Advisor Tom Donilon, and the nomination of Samantha Power to succeed Rice as permanent representative to the United Nations.

J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami applauded these announcements, and thanked Donilon for his White House tenure.

“Under Tom Donilon, US-Israel security cooperation has never been better,” said Ben-Ami. “He’s been a tremendous friend to Israel and has worked tirelessly with Israeli officials to advance the prospects for peace.”

“In their new positions, I have no doubt that Susan Rice and Samantha Power will continue to play pivotal roles in spearheading President Obama’s foreign policy agenda, and promoting smart American leadership abroad. As the president and Secretary Kerry work urgently to help Israel and the Palestinians reach a two-state peace agreement, Rice and Power will be well-placed to contribute to their efforts.”

Rice is a longtime advocate for US engagement to help resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and has been a strong defender of Israel from international criticism. As national security advisor, she is expected to be heavily involved in consultations with Israeli officials on security issues related to a potential peace deal with the Palestinians.

Power has worked with Rice in the past to oppose efforts to single out Israel at the UN, and her commitment to Israeli security and a two-state solution make her a prime choice to succeed her. A Pulitzer Prize-winning author and world-renowned expert on genocide prevention, Power would bring uniquely qualified vision to the UN.