Pres. Trump To Meet With Israeli PM Netanyahu
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WASHINGTON (CBSMiami) - For the first time since being elected, President Donald Trump is meeting in person with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The meeting at the White House will focus on peace efforts in the Middle East. The Trump administration is reportedly considering a major shift in U.S. policy and could move away from a "two-state solution." Palestine has long insisted on statehood as a condition to peace.
A committee member for the PLO issued a statement saying, "If the Trump administration rejects this policy, it would be destroying the chances for peace and undermining American interests, standing, and credibility abroad."
Prior to Netanyahu's visit, CIA Director Mike Pompeo held a meeting with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank. The meeting was described as 'warm and positive'.
President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu were also expected to discuss Israeli settlements on Palestinian lands and moving the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu already enjoy a friendlier relationship than the prime minister ever had with President Barack Obama. Whether that relates to lasting peace remains to be seen.
Jared Kushner, President Trump's son-in-law, is said to be playing a key role in shaping the administration's Middle East peace process. President Trump has publicly supported Kushner's efforts.
Peace in the Middle East has been an elusive goal for U.S. presidents, despite many attempts over the past four decades.