News

BREAKING: Senate confirms Friedman as ambassador to Israel on a close vote

Statements

(WASHINGTON DC 03/23/2015) -- Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) today used a cloture motion to remove possibility of debate on the confirmation of pro-settler David Friedman as the next US ambassador to Israel. He quickly called a roll call vote, which passed by a margin of 52 to 46, mainly along party lines.

While Friedman’s confirmation is disappointing and extremely concerning, the American Muslims for Palestine reminds our supporters that the close vote shows how much a partisan issue Israel has become on Capitol Hill.

“We firmly believe this outcome is due in large part to the efforts of our supporters and others who spent time to reach out to their senators,” said Dr. Osama Aburishaid, AMP national policy director. 

The closeness of the outcome does give us hope the tide in Congress is shifting and our efforts along with those of our partner organizations such as the US Campaign for Palestinian Rights, Jewish Voice for Peace, American Friends Service Committee, DCI Palestine and Code Pink are creating a window of opportunity for more effective change that one day will result in a more balanced foreign policy for everyone living in the Middle East.

However, AMP also condemns Friedman’s nomination as his stated positions contravene more than 50 years of U.S. policy under administrations of both parties. His support, including financial, of the settlement industry and extremist settlers who continually violate international law and Palestinian human rights is reprehensible and does not bode well for peace in the region.

We call on the White House and State Department to immediately cease plans to support annexation of settlements into Israel and/or moving the embassy as they will hurt U.S. credibility with our global partners and weaken our national interests. We cannot hope to achieve peace in the region if our top diplomat promotes his decidedly pro-Israel biases.