Vision Logo Circle
Vision Logo Circle

Donald Trump to Announce Middle East Peace Plan

by | Tue, Jan 28 2020

Text size: A- A+
Trump Netanyahu billboard
A billboard in Jerusalem during the 2019 Israel elections featuring President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. (Photo credit: Gil Cohen Magen / Shutterstock.com)

Many US Presidents have tried to develop peace plans for the Middle East between Israel and the Palestinians, but none so far have been successful.

President Donald Trump has called his peace plan ‘The Deal of the Century’ and has been saying ‘it’s coming’ for over a year now.   The delay has been caused by the Israel elections, where Israeli citizens are about to go to the polls for a third time as no political party has been able to form a majority government from the votes cast in the first two elections last year.

Well it looks like the wait is finally over, with Trump holding a press conference with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outside the White House announcing that the ‘Deal of the Century’ would be announced at 3am AEST Wednesday (12noon Tuesday in Washington DC).

Vision’s Middle East correspondent Ron Ross spoke with Neil Johnson on 20Twenty about Trump’s plans.

“Trump plans to present a detailed map of Israel’s new borders under his peace plan,” Ron shared.   “He’s asked Netanyahu and the Blue & White Party leader Benny Gantz in separate meetings to take immediate action on implementing the plan.”

“The President hopes that having support from both the leading candidates in the Israel March 2 Election will provide momentum for what he called ‘The Deal of the Century’.   Netanyahu told Trump that he’s looking forward to making history together and called the plan ‘a vision of peace which is historic’.”

Ron Ross
Vision’s Middle East correspondent Ron Ross.

“The plan will include the annexation of all Israeli settlements to Israel along with most of the Jordan Valley in a way that would allow for maximum territory with minimum non-Israel residents.  Such as the Palestinians could live in their own demilitarised state.”

“The plan also doesn’t give the Palestinians any airspace or the ability to establish treaties.  It also does not take away the major Biblical sites from Israel – a likely reference to allowing Israeli access to the Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron and Rachel’s Tomb in Bethlehem, among others.”

While the peace plan appears to be a win for Jews and Christians, not everybody is happy.  The Palestinians are already calling for ‘a day of rage’ when the plan is released.

“Yesterday Mahmoud Abbas, the chairman of the Palestinian Authority, refused to take a phone call from President Trump.  But on Sunday, Palestinians factions called for a ‘day of rage’ to align with the long-awaited Middle East peace plan.”

Mahmoud Abbas
Mahmoud Abbas, the chairman of the Palestinian Authority. (Photo credit: a katz / Shutterstock.com)

“Palestinians often mark ‘days of rage’ by initiating clashes with IDF (Israel Defence Forces) soldiers on the West Bank and Israeli police in East Jerusalem.”

“This is going to be interesting to watch but as one analyst said today, ‘The only word the Palestinians seem to know is ‘no’’.”

Listen to Ron Ross’ full Middle East update in the podcast clip below.

Tune into 20Twenty and join the conversation with Neil Johnson, weekdays on Vision Christian Radio. Click here for your local times.

More from 20Twenty

Preparing Ageing Relatives for Easter

For elderly people in our communities, Easter can be a time for celebration and renewal. It’s an opportunity to gather with family and friends and reflect on the joy of the season.

Tasmania’s Faith Communities Shine

Christians understand the call to love our neighbours as ourselves, and throughout Australia, many of our local churches are doing just that.

Superannuation and Your Legacy

Many people are unaware of a crucial distinction in the distribution of their superannuation. Super is considered a non-estate asset.

Generosity and Accountability in God’s Kingdom

The topic of money and its relationship to the Kingdom of God is one of enormous depth. Many Christians find it to be a constant challenge.

Images via Shutterstock.