Dennis Ross, the top Obama administration Middle East strategist, is leaving the White House by the end of the year to rejoin the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.
“Dennis Ross has an extraordinary record of public service, and has been a critical member of the President’s team for nearly three years,” White House spokesman Jay Carney said in a statement.
Both Ross and the White House cited his desire to spend more time with his family as the reason.
Ross leaves with a mixed record in the two areas where he was most focused: Iran’s nuclear program and advancing Israeli-Arab peace.
Israeli-Palestinian peace is at a standstill, but during Ross’ tenure the Obama administration has persuaded reluctant nations to sign onto enhanced Iran sanctions.
In a statement, AIPAC praised Ross’ “tireless pursuit of Middle East peace.” — jta