Trump uses Israel visit to champion ‘ultimate deal’ for peace

World Today

Trump uses Israel visit to champion ‘ultimate deal’ for peace

U.S. President Donald Trump is on a quest for ‘the ultimate deal.’

Trump has pledged to work with Israelis and Palestinians to negotiate a peace agreement. 

CGTN’s Stephanie Freid reports from Jerusalem, the second stop on the President’s first overseas tour. 

Amidst a string of official visits, Trump made history for visiting one of Judaism’s most revered sites.

Trump is the first sitting U.S. president to visit the Western wall, yet the administration remains unclear on whether it believes the wall is part of Israel. The site is controversial for its capture, and subsequent annexation, by Israel from Jordan in 1967.

After reflecting on the past, Trump expressed optimism about the future and resolving regional conflicts that have eluded others for decades. As part of his approach, Trump has expressed interest in forging a regional agreement that brings together Israel and the broader Arab world to help resolve the decades-long conflict. His visit to Saudi Arabia and speech to leaders from over 50 majority-Muslim countries is reflective of that.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas may be signaling peace negotiation readiness but the Palestinian people, who perceive the Trump administration as pro-Israel, are jaded. Trump meets President Abbas on Tuesday in Bethlehem.