23 May 2017•Update: 24 May 2017
By Kaamil Ahmad
JERUSALEM
U.S. President Donald Trump insisted both Palestinian and Israeli leaders are keen on reaching a peace deal, during his final speech after a two-day visit on Tuesday.
Trump emphasized the point he had made throughout his trip, including at a summit of Muslim leaders in Saudi Arabia, that the region could unite against violence he claimed was promoted by Iran.
“I had a meeting this morning with [Palestinian] President Abbas. I can tell you that the Palestinians are ready to reach for peace,” Trump said.
“In my meeting with my very good friend, Benjamin, I can tell you this that he is reaching for peace, he wants peace. He loves people, he especially loves the Israeli people.”
Having insisted that he was capable of striking the “ultimate deal” for peace between Palestinians and Israelis, Trump made no mention of a two-state solution, which has long been considered internationally as the preferred solution but which Israel’s right-wing government has publicly begun to shy away from.
Trump delivered the speech to an audience that included senior Israeli ministers, Jewish and Christian dignitaries and Sheldon Adeslon, the American businessman who backs Trump and whose Israeli free daily newspaper is considered pro-Netanyahu.
Trump pledged to remain supportive to Israel.
"On behalf of the United States, we pledge to stand by you, so that we can defeat terrorism and bring security and safety to our children," he said.
“I make this promise to you: My administration will always stand with Israel,” he said.
Iran’s nukes
The U.S. president said that peace is possible “if we put aside the pain and disagreements of the past.”
“Israelis and Palestinians can make a deal but even as we work towards peace we will build strength,” Trump added.
Trump reiterated the U.S. stance against Iran obtaining nuclear weapons.
“The U.S. is firmly committed to keep Iran from developing a nuclear weapon and halting their support of terrorists and militias. So, we are telling you right now, that Iran will not have nuclear weapons,” he said.
Early in the morning, Trump met with Abbas in the occupied West Bank city of Bethlehem during which he emphasized his commitment to trying to achieve a peace agreement between the Israelis and the Palestinians.
Abbas, for his part, reiterated his commitment to the principle of the two-state solution and to live together with Israel in security and peace.
He stressed that the Palestinian-Israeli conflict was not between religions.
“Respect for all religions is an inherent part of our beliefs," he said. “The problem is with the occupation and settlements, as well as the non-recognition of the state of Palestine.”
Trump arrived at the Israel Museum after laying a wreath at Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust memorial.
Before Trump arrived for his speech, hard-line Israeli Education Minister Naftali Bennett told reporters, he was pleased Trump had not mentioned the two-state solution.
"Peace doesn't always have to be Israel severing its land and handing it to its enemies,” he said, also praising Trump’s stance on Iran.
“It seems President Trump is bringing a new atmosphere of friendship and understanding that the common enemy is radical Shiite Islam, which is Iran."
