Meridor was head of the Jewish Agency for six years, during which he oversaw the semi-governmental organization’s shift toward active promotion of Aliyah (immigration to Israel) from North America, through its partnership with groups like Nefesh b’Nefesh.



The 51-year-old Meridor replaces current ambassador Danny Ayalon, who has occupied the position for the past four years. The change will take place in January.



Meridor was supposed to be eligible for the position in 2005, but Ayalon was kept on the job by then-PM Ariel Sharon in order to see through his Disengagement Plan. Meridor was later considered an unlikely candidate due to friction between Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Meridor’s brother Dan, a former MK and anti-corruption activist.



Former Tel Aviv Mayor Roni Milo, Absorption Minister Ze'ev Boim (Kadima), former IDF spokesman Nachman Shai and current UN ambassador Danny Gillerman were all considered possible candidates for the position as well.



Meridor grew up in the Betar youth movement, was later an emissary of the right-wing group, and served as head of the town of Kfar Adumim, in the Judean Desert north of Jerusalem. He also headed the World Zionist Organization settlement division from 1992 to 1997, helping oversee the establishment and expansion of Jewish communities in Judea, Samaria and formerly Gaza.