May 3, 2017 — New York, New York
AJC praised President Trump for his efforts to press Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to return to the direct, bilateral negotiations with Israel that are essential to pursuing a comprehensive peace accord.
“We welcome President Trump’s efforts to help solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu in February and today’s with President Abbas,” said AJC CEO David Harris. “Any follow-up should make clear that the U.S. endorses a negotiated – and enduring – two-state solution that, as President Trump said, will not be imposed by third parties.”
President Trump spoke to reporters before meeting privately with Abbas over lunch at the White House today. “We need two willing parties. We believe Israel is willing. We believe you’re willing. And if you are willing, we are going to make a deal,” said Trump.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has repeatedly offered to resume the direct peace talks, facilitated at the time by Secretary of State John Kerry, which ended in 2014 when Abbas refused to continue.
“A renewed Palestinian commitment to the peace process, ahead of President Trump’s much-anticipated visit to Israel later this month, is critical,” said Harris. “Also necessary, as President Trump pointed out today, will be a long-sought Palestinian renunciation of incitement to violence. If tangible and sustained deeds follow today’s positive words, we will be encouraged to believe in the possibility of progress.”
