'Blasphemous' to suggest Israel is against peace: US envoy to Israel

Rasa - US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman says the regime seeks “peace” and it is “blasphemous” to suggest otherwise, turning a blind eye on Tel Aviv’s incessant atrocities against the Palestinian nation.

News ID: 436744

Date: 07 March 2018 - 23:28

RNA - Addressing the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) on Tuesday, the ambassador tried to eradicate the distinction between being "pro-Israel" and "pro-peace."

"If you support Israel, you must by definition support Israel living in peace with its neighbors," he said. "It's no less than blasphemous to suggest that any Jew or Christian is against peace."

‘Blame someone other than Israel’

Since US President Donald Trump in office, he has mended ties with Israel that had gone sour under former President Barrack Obama.

Despite stated efforts to bring about peace in the region, partly by appointing his Jewish son-in-law Jared Kushner, the president has been supporting Tel Aviv’s expansionist policies, including recognition of Jerusalem al-Quds as its “capital.” Despite that, Friedman insisted that someone else should be blamed for lack of peace in the region.

"If there is no peace as we speak, I strongly suggest that we blame someone other than Israel for this," he said, adding that he is "so proud of what our administration had achieved in the last year with regards to Israel."

He also hailed the recognition despite international condemnation as well as Trump’s promise to move the embassy from Tel Aviv to al-Quds, which is claimed by Palestinians as their capital.

"Ten days ago, the [US] State Department gave practical effect to the president's speech," he said. "We're working hard to get it done."

‘Things are better than ever’

Since US Congress ruled in 1995 that the embassy be relocated from Tel Aviv, every president has deferred the troublesome measure by issuing a six-month waiver.

According to Press TV, when Trump faced his first deadline, he initially refused to keep his campaign pledge to immediately move the embassy but announced he would make the move later on.

"Seventy years from Truman to Trump, how blessed we are to be here today," Friedman added. "The relationship with Israel has always been special and transcended politics, and it must continue to transcend politics. But I know you will forgive my pride if I do say that I think things are better than ever."

The Israeli regime, meanwhile, continues its atrocities and expansionist policies in the region.

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