Israeli Official: Friedman's Nomination 'Very Welcome News'

JERUSALEM, Israel – Israeli officials welcomed President-elect Donald Trump's nomination of pro-Israel activist and well-known attorney David Friedman as the next U.S. ambassador to Israel.

Although the Israeli Foreign Ministry declined to comment on the nomination until Friedman's nomination is accepted, Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely released a statement welcoming the news.

"The expressed intention to appoint Friedman is very welcome news for Israel," said Hotovely.  

"His positions reflect the desire to strengthen the standing of Israel's capital Jerusalem at this time and to underscore that the settlements have never been the true problem in the area," Hotovely added.

Education Minister Naftali Bennett wished Friedman success as the "US ambassador-elect to Israel."

"He is a great friend to Israel," Bennett tweeted.

Friedman has a history of philanthropy in Israel.  He is a supporter of Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria and said he looked forward to working "tirelessly to strengthen the unbreakable bond" between the U.S. and Israel and advancing "the cause of peace within the region" from the "U.S. embassy in Israel's eternal capital."