David Friedman Welcomed as new US Ambassador to Israel

The United States Senate confirmed on Thursday President Donald Trump’s nominee for US Ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, a close friend of Israel. 

FILE PHOTO -- David Friedman testifies before a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on his nomination to be U.S. ambassador to Israel, on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., February 16, 2017. REUTERS/Yuri Gripas/File Photo

Republican support for Friedman was expected even though the confirmation hearing last month was filled with protesters because of Friedman's position opposing a Palestinian state and giving support for Jewish settlements in the West Bank. Many have thought Friedman takes extreme positions that will keep Israel and the Palestinians from the peace that has been negotiated for decades.

Netanyahu tweeted, “New US ambassador to Israel David Friedman will be warmly welcomed as President Trump’s representative and as a close friend of Israel.”