U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman erased an old red line on Tuesday with his visit to the Samaria city of Ariel, where he attended a business event held by the Judea and Samaria Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
At the invitation of the Judea and Samaria Chamber of Commerce, I met in Ariel with Palestinian & Israeli business leaders ready, willing & able to advance joint opportunity & peaceful coexistence. People want peace & we are ready to help! Is the Palestinian leadership listening? pic.twitter.com/g91fGHNDzF
— David M. Friedman (@USAmbIsrael)
Under past administrations, U.S. ambassadors to Israel have not been allowed to cross the so-called “Green Line” (1949 Armistice Line), nor could they visit Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria.
Friedman has eschewed that policy from Day One, reflecting the support of the Trump administration for normalization of activities in the territories and promoting dialogue between the people of Israel and the Palestinian Authority.