Israeli right-wingers got what they saw as a major endorsement for their policies when US President Donald Trump failed to publicly mention a Palestinian state even one time during his two-day visit.
That stands in sharp contrast to Barack Obama, who focused heavily on the Arabs’ desired (initial) outcome of the peace process.
Already when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Washington back in February, Trump made clear that he wasn’t married to the two-state solution, and would be giving Israel far more leeway than previous presidents when it comes to outlining the parameters of a viable and lasting peace deal.
Many Israelis felt that Trump and Netanyahu disagreed somewhat on the list of priorities in the region, Trump appearing to take the Arab position that all other regional ills would be lessened, if not solved, by Israel and the Palestinians reaching an agreement.
He also failed to address the issue of relocating America’s embassy to Jerusalem, a major electoral campaign promise. However, there was a lot for Israelis to be pleased about.
Not least of which the timing of Trump’s visit, coinciding as it did with the Hebrew calendar anniversary of Jerusalem’s reunification under Israeli rule exactly 50 years ago. Trump also became the first sitting US president to ever pray at the Western Wall, another subtle affirmation that the contentious Temple Mount is indeed Jewish and belongs in Jewish hands.
All in all, Trump showered Israel with love and praise, and the Israelis more than reciprocated.
Originally posted at Israel Today Magazine.
