Controversial US ambassador takes up post in Israel
- by Apollonia Musarra
- in World Media
- — May 16, 2017
The new US ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, prayed for Trump at the Western Wall on his first day in Israel.
This morning (Tuesday), the Israeli President received diplomatic credentials from the new ambassadors of Thailand, Spain and the United States during an official ceremony at the President's house as they begin their posts in Israel.
Friedman, who is a practicing Orthodox Jew, headed to Jerusalem's Old City right after he landed at Ben-Gurion Airport to pray at the Western Wall. "I hope we all wish him success; it's going to be an fantastic trip", Friedman said.
Friedman, a frequent visitor to Jerusalem, also exchanged words near the wall with Steven Tyler of American rock band Aerosmith, in town for a concert.
The clash of advance teams also highlights the growing tension between Washington and Jerusalem since the election - an wonderful turn-around in light of the unparalleled partisan support candidate Trump expressed for Israel and its policies.
Jewish-American bankruptcy lawyer Friedman has expressed scepticism over the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the basis of years of U.S. peace efforts.
The Israeli foreign ministry confirmed the arrival of Friedman on Monday, days ahead of a visit by US President Donald Trump.
Trump is scheduled to visit Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories on May 22 and 23.
Trump himself cast uncertainty over years of worldwide efforts to foster a two-state solution when he met Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu at the White House in February.
Trump is visiting Israel next week, during which Israel will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of having "reunified" Jerusalem through military conquest, a fact which they are simultaneously planning to celebrate and apparently react angrily if anyone mentions.
The Palestinians want al-Quds as the capital of their promised future state.