U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman was critical of former President Obama’s treatment of Israel, compared to that of the current administration, during a commencement speech he gave at Yeshiva University, his alma mater. “Should Israel still negotiate with the Palestinians even though Israel did not steal their land? Of course, it should, precisely because we are not suggesting, as our predecessor did—that Israel return to the bargaining table as a thief returning to the scene of a crime,” he said. “Precisely for that reason, there is a basis for discussion.”

Friedman also said that “the overwhelming majority of Palestinians are not consumed by hatred nor are unwilling to live in peace. Many are well-educated, many of them want what everyone wants—peace, security, good schools, and a better and more dignified way of life. We need to help them get there—not by perpetual handouts that create a culture of dependency and corruption.”

This is a refreshing change in policy vis-à-vis Israel. But then, we’ve come to expect that from the Trump administration. This is just another expression of this: what appears to be real friendship.