Netanyahu to Kushner: Peace with the Arabs is ‘within our reach’

“We have a lot of things to talk about: how to advance peace, stability and security in our region – prosperity too. And I think all of them are within our reach,” Netanyahu told Kushner.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met on Thursday in Tel Aviv with Jared Kushner, advisor to President Donald J. Trump, who arrived in Israel with a delegation of US officials in an attempt to advance the diplomatic process with the Palestinians.

“We have a lot of things to talk about: how to advance peace, stability and security in our region – prosperity too. And I think all of them are within our reach,” Netanyahu declared.

The meetings and Washington’s effort towards peace are a “sign of the great alliance between us and the great goals that guide us,” he said.

Kushner commended the Israeli team “and all the efforts that they’ve made.”

“The president is very committed to achieving a solution here that will be able to bring prosperity and peace to all people in this area, and we really appreciate the commitment of the prime minister and his team to engaging very thoughtfully and respectfully in the way that the president has asked them to do so,” said Kushner.

Kushner: US-Israel Relationship ‘Stronger than Ever’

“The relationship between Israel and America is stronger than ever and we really thank Prime Minister Netanyahu for his leadership and his partnership,” he underscored.

The meeting is part of a Mideast tour to press US sponsored Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts and includes stops in Gulf countries, Jordan and Egypt. The American delegation – which includes Jason Greenblatt, envoy for international negotiations, and Dina Powell, US deputy national security adviser – will also visit Palestinian Authority (PA) Chairman Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah.

Speaking ahead of Abbas’ meeting with Kushner, PA presidential spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh said Thursday that the visit “is important and crucial, particularly since it comes after the delegation’s talks in the region and meeting with Arab leaders.”

He said Abbas held deep consultations with Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which “could create a new opportunity to achieve peace based on the two-state solution and the Arab Peace Initiative that would halt the deterioration in the peace process.”

Kushner and Greenblatt have visited Israel and the PA several times in recent months in an attempt to restart the US-led diplomatic process, which has been dormant since 2014.

While Jerusalem has welcomed Washington’s efforts, the Palestinians have expressed pessimism and set preconditions, including an ultimatum stating that unless progress towards a two-state solution is made within 45 days, the Palestinians will consider themselves no longer committed to the US mediation.

No major breakthrough is expected in the coming round of discussions.

By: World Israel News Staff

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