Schakowsky statement on Ambassador Friedman's comments

“U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman’s latest comments underscore the fact that he is unfit to serve in this critical position. By attempting to turn overwhelming bipartisan support for the state of Israel into a partisan political issue by claiming ‘there’s no question Republicans support Israel more than Democrats,’ and through statements that undermine longstanding U.S. policies in the region, he is a disgrace to U.S. diplomacy.

“I concede to no one in my support for Israel as a democratic, Jewish state. That does not mean that I support every policy of the Netanyahu government, particularly when those policies conflict with democratic values. It is both offensive and harmful for Ambassador Friedman to suggest that those of us concerned with actions such as the destruction of the Palestinian village of Susya or the deportation of African refugees are not pro-Israel.

“In his confirmation hearings, Ambassador Friedman promised to argue for U.S. policies that support a two-state solution. Instead, he has continued to promote his own personal views, including his support for settlements in the West Bank, recently saying that ‘I don’t believe the settlements are illegal.’

“Neither Americans nor Israelis are well-served when the U.S. ambassador plays politics with Israel’s future and makes the only hope for peace – a two-state solution – more difficult to achieve.”