President-elect Donald Trump appointed David Friedman as U.S. Ambassador to the State of Israel on Friday.
Trump cited his long relationship with Friedman, a “trusted advisor”, as well as Friedman’s “strong relationships in Israel” as his reasons for appointing the “tremendous asset” to the post. Friedman is a strong advocate of moving the American Embassy in Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and has been one of the dominant vocal Jewish supporters of Donald Trump.
Trump released the following statement on his appointment “The bond between Israel and the United States runs deep, and I will ensure there is no daylight between us when I’m president. As the United States’ ambassador to Israel, David Friedman will maintain the special relationship between our two countries. He has been a long-time friend and trusted advisor to me. His strong relationships in Israel will form the foundation of his diplomatic mission and be a tremendous asset to our country as we strengthen the ties with our allies and strive for peace in the Middle East. Nothing is more critical than protecting the security of our citizens at home and abroad.”
Friedman stated that he looks forward to moving the U.S Embassy to Jerusalem, and will work “tirelessly to strengthen: US-Israel relations, stating on Thursday following the announcement of his post “I am deeply honored and humbled by the confidence placed in me by President-elect Trump to represent the United States as its ambassador to Israel. I intend to work tirelessly to strengthen the unbreakable bond between our two countries and advance the cause of peace within the region, and look forward to doing this from the U.S. Embassy in Israel’s eternal capital, Jerusalem.”
Trump’s transition team emphasized Friedman’s strength in “complex restructuring deals” as relevant for the peace resolutions for Israel in the region. Friedman specializes in litigation and bankruptcy law.
President of the Zionist Organization of America, Morton Klein stated on Friedman’s appointment “He has a powerful grasp of Israel’s defense needs, the dangers they face, and the danger now of a Hamas-Palestinian Authority State. No previous ambassador appreciates the political, historic, legal, and religious rights of the Jews to Judea, Samaria, and Jerusalem like David.”
His appointment has been praised by several leading right-wing MK’s (members of Knesset/Parliament). Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated it will not comment on his appointment until it is approved by Congress.
This article originally appeared on Behold Israel, December 16, 2016, and reposted with permission.