George Mitchell, the Obama administration’s envoy to the Middle East, will resign from his position next week.
As Envoy, Mitchell was a key player in the stalled peace negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians.
In a statement, President Obama heralded Mitchell’s “deep commitment to resolving conflict and advancing democracy.”
“He is – by any measure – one of the finest public servants that our nation has ever had,” Obama said. “He took on the toughest job imaginable and worked grueling hours to advance the interests of the United States and the cause of peace.”
In the interim, Mitchell’s deputy, David Hale, will serve as envoy.