David Friedman, President Donald Trump’s choice to serve as ambassador to Israel, was confirmed by the Senate on Thursday afternoon.
During his confirmation hearing, Friedman explained that his skepticism toward the two-state solution was “due to the Palestinians’ refusal to recognize Israel as a Jewish state,” the Jewish Journal reported. “The two-state solution, if it can be achieved, will bring great benefits for Israelis and Palestinians,” Friedman acknowledged.
Friedman received an endorsement from former Democratic Sen. Joseph Lieberman, who said last week, “I want to assure you that David Friedman will perform as Ambassador way above expectations.”
In his introductory remarks at the hearing, Friedman said that his two main goals as ambassador to Israel would be “advancing the national interest of the United States in strengthening its relationship with Israel,” and “working tirelessly to bring peace and stability to the region.”
Friedman, a 57-year-old bankruptcy lawyer, served on Trump’s Israel advisory committee during the president’s campaign and worked with Trump on his real estate development business for many years. He is a fluent Hebrew speaker.
Friedman’s confirmation comes as the Trump administration and the Israeli government are coordinating their positions in advance of potential peace talks with the Palestinians. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told reporters Wednesday that the two governments had made “significant progress” in their talks.
Quiet discussions among allies to settle differences. How refreshing. https://t.co/yB2H9cQ65w
— Jonathan Schanzer (@JSchanzer) March 20, 2017
[Photo: C-SPAN / YouTube ]