David Friedman, who served as U.S. ambassador to Israel in the first Trump administration, praised Secretary of State Marco Rubio for revoking visas of Palestinian Authority and Palestine Liberation Organization officials ahead of next week’s U.N. General Assembly in New York, telling Newsmax on Thursday the move was long overdue.

“The U.N. is giving a big party without a guest of honor,” Friedman told “Rob Schmitt Tonight.” “They were hoping to coronate [Palestinian Authority President] Mahmoud Abbas. And he’s not going to be let in, and he shouldn’t be let in. Kudos to Secretary Rubio and President Trump.”

On Aug. 29, Rubio revoked the visas of dozens of Palestinian officials, including Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. The Trump administration imposed a freeze Monday on nearly all types of visa applications for those holding a Palestinian Authority passport.

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