David Friedman was formally received as US Ambassador to Israel by Israeli President Reuven Rivlin in a gathering Tuesday.

President Rivlin welcomed Friedman and his family, and congratulated him on his new position.

"I know you have been to Israel many times before. But this time you are an ambassador representing the United States of America, Israel's greatest and most important ally.”

Friends and supporters of Friedman celebrated his inauguration as ambassador following the evening with President Rivlin.

"This is a great moment. We've been waiting for this moment for many, many months," said Marc Zell, chairman of Republicans Overseas Israel.

"I remember when David Friedman and I stood together at the rally in Jerusalem before the election and we talked about this very thing happening and now its happening, the moment has come."

"And our president, who has also promised to come to Israel on his first trip abroad is doing that too. One promise after the next."