Netanyahu: Trump exposed Palestinian disinterest in peace with Israel

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Trump’s Mideast peace plan has exposed the fact that Palestinians don’t genuinely seek peace with Israel.

“President Trump trusts in the negotiations. He knows to set clear stances, but also to leave things vague. He made an historical and explicit statement on Jerusalem and he expects both sides to come and grapple with the plan proposed by his team. We are ready for the plan at any time,” he tells reports at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

“The Palestinian position has been exposed. They want to escape from a genuine discussion on real peace that includes recognition of the Jewish state that is in control of its own security,” he says.

“President Trump expressed his belief that if we come to the table and they do as well that we will then be able to hold negotiations on the issues. We are ready for negotiations, but I do not see that they are as well,” the prime minister adds.

“I left the conversation very encouraged, not only because of our close friendship with the Americans but beyond that, we spoke about Iran’s ability to establish military bases in Syria — and also Lebanon — and to develop precise weaponry in Syria, and the president conveyed a full understanding of the policy I lead regarding these two aggressive measures aimed at changing the balance of power.”

Asked by The Times of Israel if the issue of settlements was raised in the meeting, Netanyahu shook his head, no.

— Jacob Magid