David Friedman sworn in as new US Ambassador to Israel

Trump's controversial envoy pick has been aligned with the Israeli Right and was narrowly confirmed by the US Senate by a vote of 52-46.

By REUTERS
Vice President Mike Pence hosts a swearing in ceremony for US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman (C) at the Executive office in Washington, US, March 29, 2017 (photo credit: REUTERS)
Vice President Mike Pence hosts a swearing in ceremony for US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman (C) at the Executive office in Washington, US, March 29, 2017
(photo credit: REUTERS)
Outspoken bankruptcy lawyer David Friedman was sworn-in at the US Ambassador to Israel Wednesday night in Washington, D.C.
Friedman has been aligned with the Israeli Right and was narrowly confirmed by the US Senate by a vote of 52-46.
David Friedman taking issue with the conventional demographic wisdom that a two-state solution was necessary to maintain Israel as a Jewish and democratic state
The level of opposition is a highly unusual for a nominee for US ambassador to Israel, a close ally of the United States. For decades, nominees from both Democratic and Republican presidents have been approved without objection, via unanimous consent or voice votes.
In addition to investing in Israeli settlements, Friedman favors moving the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The relocation is strongly opposed by many US allies because both Israel and the Palestinians claim the city as their capital.
Friedman, who has no diplomatic experience, is a longtime friend of Trump who worked for the Republican former New York businessman as a bankruptcy lawyer.