President Donald Trump unveiled his long-awaited Middle East peace plan Tuesday, calling for the creation of a State of Palestine with its capital in portions of east Jerusalem, saying it is a “win-win” opportunity for both Israel and the Palestinians.
The plan calls for the creation of a State of Palestine with its capital in portions of east Jerusalem, ending speculation as to whether his administration, in preparing a proposal without input from Palestinian leaders, would abandon a “two-state resolution” to the conflict.
Trump, releasing the plan before a pro-Israel audience at the White House with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by his side, acknowledged that he has done a lot for Israel, but he said he wanted the deal to be a “great deal for the Palestinians.” Trump said the deal is a “historic opportunity” for Palestinians to achieve an independent state of their own.
The plan more than doubles the territory currently under Palestinian control, although it also recognizes Israeli sovereignty over major settlement blocs in the West Bank, something to which the Palestinians will almost certainly object. The Palestinians have already rejected the proposal, accusing Trump of being biased in favor of Israel as he has adopted policies that bolster Israel at their expense.
[Netanyahu Stopping In Moscow On Way Back From US – Is He Bringing Issachar Back With Him?]
The plan does call for a four-year freeze in new Israeli settlement construction, during which time details of a comprehensive agreement would be negotiated. However, it was not immediately clear if the freeze could be extended if a final deal is not concluded in the four years.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZVvQ-_C6Ns
The 50-page political outline goes further in concessions to the Palestinians than many analysts had believed was likely. However, it would require them to accept conditions they have been previously unwilling to consider, such as accepting West Bank settlements. It builds on a 30-page economic plan for the West Bank and Gaza that was unveiled last June and which the Palestinians have also rejected.
Under the terms of the “peace vision” that Trump’s son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner has been working on for nearly three years, the future Palestinian state would consist of the West Bank and Gaza, connected by a combination of above-ground roads and tunnels.
Netanyahu and his main political challenger in March elections, Benny Gantz, had signed off on the plan.
The White House event came as Trump’s impeachment trial continues in the Senate and Israel’s parliament had planned a hearing to discuss Netanyahu’s request for immunity from criminal corruption charges. Netanyahu withdrew that request hours before the proceedings were to begin, but Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, is still expected to meet. The body had been likely to vote against immunity, dealing Netanyahu a blow.
In the run-up to the March 2 election, Netanyahu had called for annexing parts of the West Bank and imposing Israeli sovereignty on all its settlements there.
(AP)
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18 Responses
Boruch dayan ha’emes.
Creating a Palestinian state puts Jewish lives in jeopardy.
The plan is sounds great and, more importantly, fair but we already know that the irrational Palestinians are going to say that they are being humiliated and will respond with violence.
I support most of the elements of this plan. However, its likelihood of success would have been enhanced by offering it to both sides in a more neutral, dispassionate process rather than rolling it out in a campaign style event where the optics make it appear as a cynical effort to divert attention for one politician whose indictment was being announced at home at the very same moment and for a second politician whose impeachment trial is wrapping up about a mile away from the WH in the Senate Chambers. Hopefully, the Palestinian leadershipo will look beyond all the theatrics and recognize some of the elements of this Plan may be their best chance to salvage anything for their people
This plan is terrible. The problem of the so-called Palestinians is not economic. They have never wanted a state of Israel. They want its destruction- no matter how much they are given. Jews want Israel which was given by Hashem to the Jewish people. How can we give away part of the holy land?
Thanks trump for moving the embassy, AND NOW GIVING AWAY PART OF YERUSHALAYIM! Always knew there would be a quid pro quo for that.
It sounds like a very good deal for the Palestinians, one designed to appeal to their common citizens, but also one that their leadership will not accept. When Abbas and Hamas reject it, Trump and Netanyahu can say the Palestinians never wanted peace. And they’d be right.
best president ever
I don’t like when people use “G-d gave us this land” as a reason. Once you do that reason and compromise go out the window.
My take has always been the period between 1940-1950 was a time of mass chaos and World War. Tens of millions were killed and displaced, new governments arose, borders were redrawn, and land exchanged hands. This occurred all over the world.
Every group of people have accepted what happened and moved on, deciding it was better to invest in building a better future than to keep fighting endless wars over land.
The only group that wants to keep fighting the battles of the 1940’s for eternity is the Palestinians. Are they right and the rest of the world wrong?
No deal! The Arabs already rejected it!
What a waste of a lot of noise.
Having read the entire plan, it sounds like a wonderful vision and I hope it works out. however I’m still left with a few questions and i’m wondering if anyone can help me. Are Palestinians guaranteed access to visit Israel? If not how will they access Al Aksa and if yes how will there be security?
What is the meaning of Palestinians in Jerusalem being Palestinian Citizens while living in Israel? Something like a green card?
Where will this proposed Arab tourism strip in Jerusalem be? Will they have to pay for it?
What is the status of the Mearas Hamachpeilah?
Will they get their own airport in the west bank or have to travel through Jordan( Or Gaza if and when they get one)?
Are the 13 Settlements all there is or will some be evacuated?
Who will be in control of Kever Yosef etc?
How will the Israelis be able to ensure that cargo heading for Palestine will not detour to somewhere in Israel after leaving Haifa?
Will there be walls around all the proposed walls?
Whoever has more info should please elaborate
What happens with all the Bedouins?
What’ is he offering the Palestinians? They aren’t being offered anything new so why sholud they take it seriously?
Some of the ideas make sense from the perspective of EY, but already have been rejected by the Palestinians. Its not the “Deal of the Century” if only one side accepts its terms but of course, this is Trump so everything is hyped to a ridiculous degree. Last week the China Trade Deal was the greatest deal in the history of civilization even though it included none of the key protections against IP theft, forced joint ventures, etc. that Trump had insisted had to be included.
Zzzzzzzzzz……Zzzzzzzzzzzz….Zzzzzzzzzzzz
I feel like a cat sleeping
Is this a Jewish, or rather a frum , website with all these commenters saying “it’s a great plan?!” Sure, like we don’t have enough with terrorists states in Gaza and the West Bank, we need to create more. It’s just suicidal for Israel/Jews. This is ridiculous.
I haven’t read -the soon to be recognized – FAKE PEACE PLAN, but seeing GodolHadoraah above indorse it, I’m certain it’s a BAD DEAL for the yidden!
Liberals are sick! A Jewish liberal needs our prayers
Y2R
By definition, any plan with a finite likelihood of success and acceptance will have to include elements that are “bad” for BOTH sides. If you truly believe in a plan all of whose elements will favor one side over the other, you obviously are a great believer in the “tooth Malach”. The latter will come in z’man moishiach. Until then we deal with the realities of the world as it is.
Gadolhadorah its the first time you’ve said something I can agree with you on.
Try continue it…