‘I don’t know’ – Trump defers to Netanyahu on Palestinian statehood

President Donald Trump tells reporter he doesn’t know whether the two-state solution is a viable option, deferring to Prime Minister Netanyahu.

By David Rosenberg, World Israel News

President Donald Trump expressed uncertainty regarding the viability of the two-state solution and the establishment of a Palestinian state, deferring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the issue.

Hosting an Israeli delegation, headed by the prime minister, for a dinner meeting at the White House, Trump fielded questions from reporters, including query regarding whether the president believes a Palestinian state is still a viable option for resolving the Israel-Arab conflict.

“I don’t know,” Trump replied, turning the question over to Netanyahu.

“I asked Bibi that question. You have the greatest man in the world to answer that question.”

Netanyahu, in turn, said that Israel would never agree to the establishment of another Palestinian state, calling the Gaza Strip under Hamas rule a de facto Palestinian state.

The Israeli premier did, however, allude to some form of Palestinian self-rule, without providing a detailed plan.

The president praised Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, calling the couple his long-time friends.

“It’s a great honor to have Bibi and Sara with us,” Trump said. “They’ve been friends of mine for a long time.”

“We’ve had lots of successes together, and I think it will only get better in the future. So it’s really nice that you’re at the White House. Great that you’re here with all your fantastic people.”

“We’ve worked together for a long time, and we’ve done a good job together. We’ve had a great time and great results lately, and we expect many more great results, so it’s great to have you here.”