White House tries to reassure Palestinians over Trump's peace plan
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Jason Greenblatt. Photo: Jaafar Aashtiyeh/AFP/Getty Images
President Trump's special envoy for Middle East peace said today that the forthcoming White House peace plan won't be "a sell out" for the Palestinians.
Between the lines: With the end of the Israeli elections, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's victory, the release of the White House peace plan could be imminent. Jason Greenblatt's public message was directed at the Palestinian leadership in an attempt to stress that the plan won't be as bad as they fear.
Why it matters: The Palestinians have boycotted the Trump administration since December 2017 over the president's Jerusalem embassy announcement, but the White House still hopes they'll change course after seeing the peace plan. The Palestinian President said he will be ready to engage if the plan includes a Palestinian state with a capital in East Jerusalem.
What he's saying: Greenblatt tweeted today, "To the [Palestinian Authority]: Our plan will greatly improve Palestinian lives & create something very different than what exists. It’s a realistic plan to thrive/prosper even if it means compromises. It’s not a 'sell out' — if the plan isn’t realistic, no one can deliver it. The Palestinian future is in your hands — we hope you use your power wisely and in a way that helps Palestinians live happier and better lives. It’s time for them to thrive."
- Netanyahu's nationalistic rhetoric on the campaign trail won't help the White House sell any peace plan the Palestinians might consider. He pledged to annex Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank if re-elected.
What's next: The White House peace plan isn't expected to be published until at least mid-June. The exact date will be influenced by the formation of the new Israeli government, the Jewish holiday of Passover, the Muslim month of Ramadan and other national days on both sides.
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