GOVERNMENT

David Friedman

United States ambassador to Israel

Newly-confirmed US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman arrived in Israel in May, 2017 and went straight to the Western Wall. It was appropriate for the contentious and controversial newcomer to diplomacy, whose sincere dedication to Israel is unquestionable.

A former bankruptcy lawyer, Friedman was a Trump confidant for years before being tapped as ambassador role, which is of vital importance in the US-Israel relationship. His appointment stirred up passions in the Jewish community, as many saw him as too right-wing for their tastes and objected to some of his previous statements about left-wing Jews. At his confirmation hearing, Friedman apologized for previous comments and was approved in a relatively close vote.

On his appointment, Friedman also expressed tacit support for moving the US in Israel, which is now located in Tel Aviv, saying he and his team were seeking to “strengthen the bond between our two countries and advance the cause of peace within the region, and look forward to doing this from the US embassy in Israel’s eternal capital, Jerusalem.” (Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons.)