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Netanyahu win gives US peace plan ‘better chance:’ Trump
WASHINGTON, April 10, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – President Donald Trump said
Wednesday that election results handing a narrow victory to right-wing
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu give a “better chance” to a yet to
be unveiled US peace plan.
“I’d like to congratulate Bibi Netanyahu,” said Trump after nearly
complete results put the incumbent premier in position to form a coalition.
Trump predicted a boost to his administration’s promised plan for a
settlement to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. “The fact that Bibi won, I
think we’ll see some pretty good action in terms of peace,” Trump said.
“Everybody said you can’t have peace in the Middle East with Israel and
Palestinians. I think we have a chance and I think we now have a better
chance,” he added.
Nearly complete results in the tight election put Netanyahu in position to
form a narrow parliamentary majority with a coalition of right-wing and
religious parties, allowing him to become Israel’s longest-serving prime
minister.
Trump has enthusiastically backed Netanyahu, making controversial gestures
of support to the hawkish leader, including recognition of Israeli
sovereignty in the occupied Golan Heights area.
The US peace plan has been long in the making but little detail has
emerged about what it might propose.
Palestinian leaders have already indicated they are deeply skeptical,
given Trump’s all-out support for Netanyahu.
On Tuesday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo refused to reaffirm
longstanding US support for the creation of a future Palestinian state.
This followed Netanyahu’s declaration that he could annex Jewish
settlements built in the Israeli-occupied Palestinian West Bank — a move
that would seek to formalize Israeli control over parts of the supposedly
future Palestinian state.
BSS/AFP/RY/20:55hrs