Biden appoints Amos Hochstein to oversee negotiations aimed at resolving dispute over lucrative natural gas exploration rights; will visit Israel, Lebanon later this month

As State Department envoy, he will be in charge of implementing Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline deal, which critics fear could enable Russia to use energy supplies as a weapon

Ex-envoy's name mentioned as possible candidate, along with energy guru Amos Hochstein and former Rep. Robert Wexler, as David Friedman prepares for post-ambassadorial life

Amos Hochstein tells Israeli TV rejoining the agreement is a top priority for the US-president elect; report says Trump planning flurry of sanctions to make move harder