U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman criticized the Obama administration’s approach to Israel during a keynote speech at Yeshiva University’s 88th Commencement at Madison Square Garden on Thursday.

Friedman contrasted Trump’s policy on Israel with his Obama’s treatment of Israel. “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. Precisely for that reason, there is a basis for discussion.”

Friedman explained 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.”

Friedman said that he will be part of the U.S. delegation to Jared Kushner’s ‘economic workshop’ in Bahrain next month, an event described as the first phase of the Trump peace plan.