Michael Oren, Israel's ambassador to Washington, told Haaretz last month that he was "enjoying every minute" of his new job. But according to another interview with the New York Times, before all the fun started, he had to undergo one painful experience.

He told of how difficult it was for him to sign an official "oath of renunciation" of his American citizenship. He had little choice, though, as Israeli ambassadors are not allowed to hold dual citizenships.

The ceremony was so traumatic that his friends from the American Embassy in Tel Aviv supported and hugged him after it was all over.