From the Liveblog of
Sunday, October 22, 2017
US soon to present ‘regional normalization’ Mideast peace plan — report
The Trump administration is planning on presenting a proposal for “regional normalization” that will include several Arab states and will encourage Israel and the Palestinians to restart peace negotiations, Channel 2 News reports.
The proposal is said to be based on the following principles:
— The US will not demand that Israel and the Palestinians return to the negotiating table in the spirit of “take it or leave it,” but rather encourage both sides to begin a dialogue supported by regional partners.
— The US will not set a timetable for when talks are to begin or when conclusions are to be reached.
— The US believes that Mahmoud Abbas is, as opposed to statements by Israeli government officials, a serious partner for negotiations and is genuinely interested in reaching a negotiated agreement.
— The US is sensitive to Israeli security needs as presented by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The Times of Israel Community.