Arab-Israeli Conflict

Friedman slams Obama’s Israel policies in graduation speech

Speaking at a Yeshiva University graduation event this week, U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman blasted Barack Obama’s approach to Israel.

By JNS

In a commencement speech on Thursday to Yeshiva University (YU)  graduating students, U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman slammed the Obama administration’s treatment of Israel compared to that of the current one.

“Should Israel still negotiate with the Palestinians even though Israel did not steal their land? Of course, it should, precisely because we are not suggesting, as our predecessor did—that Israel return to the bargaining table as a thief returning to the scene of a crime,” he said. “Precisely for that reason, there is a basis for discussion.”

Friedman said “the overwhelming majority of Palestinians are not consumed by hatred nor are unwilling to live in peace. Many are well-educated, many of them want what everyone wants—peace, security, good schools, and a better and more dignified way of life. We need to help them get there—not by perpetual handouts that create a culture of dependency and corruption.”

The ambassador announced that he will be part of next month’s economic summit in Bahrain as part of the Trump administration’s rollout of the Mideast peace plan.

U.S. special envoy to the Middle East Jason Greenblatt is a YU alum.

Share
Published by
Ebin Sandler
Tags: Barack Obama David Friedman

Recent Posts

  • Middle East

Iran loses major revenue stream as overseas oil stockpile runs out

Iran's overseas oil stockpiles run dry as US blockade cuts off billions in revenue.

24 minutes ago
  • World News

Vance explains refusal to back Netanyahu after endorsing another foreign leader

The vice president defended his refusal to endorse Netanyahu on the grounds that he would…

1 hour ago
  • Middle East

Is a new US-Israeli offensive against Iran imminent?

Washington and Jerusalem have reportedly prepared plans for intensive strikes targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure and…

2 hours ago
  • World News

Amid backlash, AIPAC ends public endorsements of candidates

AIPAC donors contributed more than $90 million directly to candidates this cycle, according to the…

2 hours ago
  • Israel News

Israel cracks down on foreign attempts to influence upcoming Knesset election

Israel's Shin Bet security agency takes aim at foreign influence accounts ahead of Israel's general…

2 hours ago
  • Middle East

Trump: US no longer negotiating with Iran, ‘something will happen one way or another’

President Donald Trump signals Iran showdown could come soon after stating that the US is…

3 hours ago