JERUSALEM (CNN) - The newly appointed U.S. ambassador to Israel arrived in Jerusalem on Monday. David Friedman is expected to officially present his credentials to the Israeli government on Tuesday.
Friedman's arrival comes one week ahead of President Donald Trump's visit to Israel. Trump is set to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas next week.
"Well, it was a long trip, we're a bit tired. We wanted to come straight to the holiest place in the entire Jewish world - the Western Wall - straight from the airport,” Friedman said. “So we just came here, my wife Tammy, my daughter Talia, the rest of the family is still in the States. And I had the opportunity to say some prayers."
Friedman said he prayed for his family, the president and upcoming peace efforts in the Middle East.
“I prayed for of course, the health of my family, my children, my grandchildren. I prayed for the president and I wished him success, especially on his upcoming trip. I hope we all wish him success; it's going to be an amazing trip,” Friedman said.
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