The U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Tom Nides, has officially ended his duties, and will be temporarily replaced by his deputy Stephanie L. Hallett until a new envoy is appointed. 

Stephanie Hallett is a veteran member of the U.S. diplomatic corps, and has held several positions, including as the Acting Director for the Middle East and North Africa Region and the Director for Gulf Affairs at the National Security Council.

She has also worked in Cyprus, Oman, Egypt, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Mexico, as well as for Washington's Bureau of Iranian Affairs.

Hallett graduated from George Washington University and University of Cambridge.