US President Donald Trump will soon announce a political initiative that will have Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA) conducting direct negotiations for a period of 12 to 16 months, according to the London-based Arabic-language daily Al-Hayat, which quoted Western diplomatic sources.
According to the report, Israel will be asked to curtail construction in Judea and Samaria during this time, but not to stop it altogether.
The newspaper cited a source in the PA as saying that during Trump's White House meeting with PA chief Mahmoud Abbas, Abbas had asked him to allow Palestinians freedom of movement, investment and activity in Area C.
Trump began his first presidential visit abroad when he landed in Saudi Arabia Saturday morning. He was received with considerable pomp, in contrast with the way his predecessor was last received there.
From Saudi Arabia, Trump will continue to Israel, and then visit Italy, where he will meet the Pope, and Belgium. Joining President Trump on his trip were his wife Melania, his daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner.
Trump was greeted by King Salman as he exited the plane. Salman told Trump, "We welcome the US President to the Kingdom. Your visit will strengthen our strategic cooperation and bring security and stability to the region and the world."