US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman has invited Jewish leaders from Judea and Samaria to join in the US embassy’s Fourth of July celebration at the ambassador’s official residence in Herzliya this week.
The invitation marks a dramatic shift in policy towards the Jewish population of Judea and Samaria, whose leadership was generally shunned from official events by previous ambassadors.
The inclusion of Jewish leaders from Judea and Samaria is particularly significant considering the location of the event marking America’s Independence Day. While Ambassador Friedman maintains a personal residence in Jerusalem, the event will be held at the ambassador’s official residence in Herzliya, which is designated for state dinners and other diplomatic encounters.
The list of invitees to the Fourth of July celebration includes Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, President Reuven Rivlin, Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan, Yesha (Judea and Samaria) Council chief Avi Roeh, Efrat Mayor Oded Revivi, Ariel Mayor Eli Shabiro, and other senior Yesha leaders.