Trump nominee’s support for Israeli settlement draws scrutiny - Al-Monitor: The Middle Eastʼs leading independent news source since 2012

Julian Pecquet

Julian Pecquet

Feb 13, 2017

Attorney David Friedman (R) walks with U.S. businessman Robert Wood "Woody" Johnson as they arrive at a private fundraiser for then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in the Manhattan borough of New York City, June 21, 2016. Friedman is U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's designated Ambassador to Israel. Picture taken June 21, 2016. REUTERS/Mike Segar - RTX2XAMV — Attorney David Friedman (R) walks with US businessman Robert Wood "Woody" Johnson as they arrive at a private fundraiser for presidential candidate Donald Trump in the Manhattan borough of New York City, June 21, 2016. Friedman is US President Donald Trump's ambassador-designate to Israel. — REUTERS/Mike Segar

US President Donald Trump’s pick to serve as envoy to Israel is coming under intense scrutiny for his ties to West Bank settlements as the White House and the Israeli government continue to clash over the issue.

David Friedman’s Feb. 16 nomination hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee comes one day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holds his first official meeting with Trump.

Why Israeli settlers consider Trump’s ambassador choice a 'miracle'

Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

David Friedman (L), the newly appointed United States Ambassador to Israel, shakes hands with Israel's President Reuven Rivlin, during a ceremony whereby Rivlin received Friedman's diplomatic credentials at his residence in Jerusalem May 16, 2017. REUTERS/Heidi Levine/Pool - RC1CB682D2C0

US ambassador to Israel lobbies in favor of settlers

Akiva Eldar

Akiva Eldar

Attorney David Friedman arrives at a private fundraiser for then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in the Manhattan borough of New York City, June 21, 2016. Friedman is U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's designated Ambassador to Israel. Picture taken June 21, 2016. REUTERS/Mike Segar - RTX2XAMD

Israeli left regroups to survive Trump era

Mazal Mualem

Mazal Mualem

In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 06: U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman addresses the American Israel Public Affairs Committee's annual policy conference at the Washington Convention Center March 6, 2018 in Washington, DC. With thousands of delegates and attendees, the annual AIPAC conference is the largest gathering of the pro-Israel movement in the United States. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

PA vows to sue US ambassador over support to Israeli settlements

Ahmad Melhem

Ahmad Melhem

In Ramallah, reporting on politics