President Donald Trump’s decision on Thursday not to move the U.S. embassy in Israel for at least another six months was disappointing to some of his supporters, to pro-Israel activists, and to the Israeli government.
The White House declared that the president “has repeatedly stated his intention to move the embassy, the question is not if that move happens, but only when.”
That was encouraging — but the stated reason for the delay was, perhaps, less so.
The White House said that Trump wanted “to maximize the chances of successfully negotiating a deal between Israel and the Palestinians.” To many who have watched decades of negotiations, that statement is wishful thinking.
Arguably, the Palestinians have proven repeatedly they do not want a peace deal. They walked away from an agreement in 2000 that would have divided Jerusalem. To them, it is everything, or nothing.
President Trump is more optimistic. He believes that he has the Saudis on board, and that they can help deliver the Palestinians.
He may be right. READ MORE
