The US President in an interview on Sunday with Freesheet Daily Israel Hayom maintained that the US has a great relationship with Israel but peace with the Palestinians would make it better. Trump on December 2, 2017, declared that America recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Mike Pence, US Vice President visited Israel in January and recapped Trump’s declaration. He also told Israel that the US will consider moving its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem before the year ends.
The move solidifies US-Israel relations hence Trump’s rhetoric that the relations between the two countries are great. The Israeli- Palestinian conflict dates back to the mid-20th century. The conflict is on a number of issues including security, borders, mutual recognition and control over Jerusalem among other issues.
The Interview
The interview was done on Sunday but was published by Freesheet Daily Israel Hayom on Monday. In his interview, Trump said he was not really sure Israel was seeking peace with the Palestinians. He also added that he was currently sure that the Palestinians were not seeking to make peace with Israel.
Palestinians had voiced their discontent with Trump’s move to declare Jerusalem Israel’s capital stating that it would strain ongoing peace talks between the two nations. On the other hand, Trump previously denounced the Palestinians for what he termed as their unwillingness to negotiate while he has always taken a refraining stand not to criticize Israel.
Even though Trump’s administration has been less critical about Israeli settlements than the Obama administration, the President expressed his concerns with the settlement building. David Friedman, the American ambassador to Israel has previously been a supporter of the Israeli settlement occupying the West Bank. Trump told the right-wing paper that the settlement is an impediment to the peace process with the Palestinians. He urged Israel to be very careful with the settlements.
The President has gone on record before to claim that he intends to bring the Palestinians and Israelis an ultimate deal that will resolve their decades-long conflict. Contrary to his sentiments, on Sunday he questioned whether the negotiations were even possible.
Trump’s Parting Shot
The US President stated that he was not necessarily sure whether Israel is looking to forge for peace and therefore, he prefers to sit back and see what happens. He went on to say he was not sure whether talks will continue and thought that it was foolish for both the Israelis and Palestinians to squander their opportunity to make a deal. He clarified by saying that their only opportunity is now as peace will never be forged in future.
