US Ambassador to Tel Aviv Recognized Settlements in the West Bank as Part of Israel

“I believe that the settlements are part of Israel. And I believe that this is how it has always been. When Resolution 1967 was adopted in 242 (UN Security Council resolution following the Six Day War - ed.), which was and remains to this day the only resolution agreed upon by all parties (of the Arab-Israeli conflict - ed.) ... the idea was that Israel has the right to secure borders... The 1967 borders were considered insecure by all sides,” he said.

Thus, according to the ambassador, Israel retains the right to retain a significant part of the “occupied”, as the UN considers, Judea and Samaria, and to return those territories that it does not need to ensure peace and security in the state.

“Expansion into the West Bank was always intended. But expansion to the entire West Bank is not necessary. And I believe that is exactly what Israel did. I mean, they (settlements – ed.) occupy only 2% of the West Bank,” Friedman stated.

The head of the US embassy noted the national, historical and religious importance that settlements represent, in addition to the issue of security.

“The settlers consider themselves Israelis, and Israel considers the settlers Israelis,” he said.

Regarding the “two states” issue, David Friedman believes that this formula “has largely lost its meaning, or at least now different people present it differently.” He argues that the term is used so often today that it is detrimental to the peace process.

When asked when the Israelis should expect the White House to present its peace initiative, the ambassador suggested that in a few months.

“We don’t adhere to the rule of deadlines. We will try to do everything right, and not quickly,” the diplomat added, emphasizing that the Donald Trump administration has already achieved some progress in this matter.

The former head of the Palestinian negotiating delegation, Saeb Arikat, commented on the Ambassador’s statements as follows:

“This is not the first time Mr. David Friedman has used his position as US Ambassador to promote and validate Israel's policies of occupation and annexation. His latest statements that “Israel only occupies 2% of the West Bank” and that “Israeli settlements are part of Israel” are not only false and misleading, but also contrary to international law, UN resolutions and the historical position of the United States,” he said , adding that “Internationally, Israel is recognized as the occupying party of 100% of Palestine.”