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Trump's Senior Advisor in Israel for Peace Talks

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JERUSALEM, Israel – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump's long-time advisor Jason Greenblatt met for five hours on Monday to talk about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Israel's construction plans in Judea and Samaria.

Following the lengthy meeting, they issued a statement reaffirming "the joint commitment of both Israel and the United States to advance a genuine and lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians that strengthens the security of Israel and enhances stability in the region."

The statement says Netanyahu believes it will be possible to advance peace between Israel and all its neighbors, including the Palestinians, under Trump's leadership and he's looking forward to working closely with him to achieve that goal.

Greenblatt also reaffirmed Trump's commitment to Israel's security and achieving a lasting peace through direct negotiations.

The two discussed working out an approach to settlement construction in ways that are "consistent with the goal of advancing peace and security."

The statement concluded by saying both countries share a mutual belief that growing the Palestinian Authority's economy and improving its residents quality of life will bolster the prospects for peace.

Monday's meeting followed Trump's first phone call with P.A. President Mahmoud Abbas on Friday. Trump said he would be inviting Abbas to the White House in the near future.

Some Israelis are wondering if the president may be backtracking on some of his promises.

During the campaign, Trump often spoke of his support for the Jewish state, promising to move the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem. And he implied he wasn't committed to a two-state solution.

In February, Trump hosted Netanyahu at the White House, with both leaders appearing comfortable with one another.

While Trump has indicated he would not impose U.S. dictates on Israel, it's uncertain if he plans to carry through on that.

On Tuesday, Greenblatt is scheduled to meet with Abbas and several senior P.A. officials in Ramallah to hear their views on the same issues.

 

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About The Author

Tzippe
Barrow

From her perch high atop the mountains surrounding Jerusalem, Tzippe Barrow tries to provide a bird’s eye view of events unfolding in her country. Tzippe’s parents were born to Russian Jewish immigrants, who fled the czar’s pogroms to make a new life in America. As a teenager, Tzippe wanted to spend a summer in Israel, but her parents, sensing the very real possibility that she might want to live there, sent her and her sister to Switzerland instead. Twenty years later, the Lord opened the door to visit the ancient homeland of her people.