Middle East
While some media outlets reported “muted” responses and even loud objections from the Arab world, the reality seems to be the opposite.
Former Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked of the Yamina Party told JNS: “We are in a historic moment for the State of Israel.” Then she proceeded to cast doubt on points related to the initiative.
Both employers and workers believe that it could help them economically, though politically and socially is a different story altogether.
“The P.A. now sees itself as free to disregard the agreements with Israel, including security cooperation,” declares Palestinian Authority head Mahmoud Abbas ahead of a meeting with the Arab League in Cairo to discuss the Trump peace plan.
Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon said “the Palestinians have to decide whether to continue down the path of rejection or to come to the negotiating table.”
“History knocked on the door of our home and gave us a one-time opportunity to apply Israeli law on settlements,” said Israeli Defense Minister Naftali Bennett.
The plan sends a clear message to the Palestinians. “First, time is not on your side. Second, you used to have support, but now you do not have the same level,” said Professor Eytan Gilboa, director of the Center for International Communication at Bar-Ilan University in Ramat Gan.
“A peace plan requires two sides to come together. This is a political stunt that could spark unilateral moves to annex territory and set back peace even more,” tweeted former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden.
No Israelis or Palestinians would be uprooted from their homes, a point U.S. President Donald Trump emphasized in presenting the blueprint.
The alert advised to be aware of surroundings, “avoid demonstrations,” “monitor local media” and “follow the instructions of local authorities.”
“It is now essential that Palestinians forego the path of violence, boycotts and the criminalization of differences at international forums and return to peace talks with Israel,” stated AIPAC.
The Israeli prime minister is now banking that all eyes are on the newly released Mideast initiative, and that the public sees him as the only one who can lead the country to the historic opportunities presented by the peace plan.
