Trump says Palestinians ‘disrespected’ U.S. and threatens to yank more aid
DAVOS, Switzerland — President Donald Trump complained that Palestinians “disrespected” the United States by refusing to meet with Vice President Mike Pence during his recent trip to the Middle East, and he threatened to withhold more aid to the population.
Trump’s remarks Thursday to reporters at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, came as he engaged in an especially amiable meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. It marked a stark contrast with his criticism of the Palestinians, at a time when relations between the two sides are at an especially low point.
Referring to American aid to Palestinians, which is humanitarian relief, Trump said, “That money is not going to them unless they sit down and negotiate peace.”
“That money is on the table,” he added, suggesting it’s no sure thing.
Last week the administration withheld $65 million, more than half of a sum promised to a United Nations refugee program and intended for Palestinians.
Trump reiterated his belief that his Dec. 6 decision to officially recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, and to move the U.S. Embassy there from Tel Aviv, removes a sticking point in the peace process. Trump added, however, to Netanyahu’s visible discomfort, that Israel “will pay” later for getting that concession up front.
While Trump said his decision had advanced the peace process, by taking Israel’s side on Jerusalem and reversing decades of U.S. policy, the president in fact caused peace negotiations to shut down. Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas has refused to speak with administration officials since then, and pulled out of his planned meeting with Pence in Bethlehem.
Later Thursday, he lambasted Trump for the president’s threat about aid at Davos.
Pence endured a series of snubs and criticism over the Jerusalem decision during his tour of Egypt, Jordan and Israel over the weekend, including from the leaders of Egypt and Jordan.
Trump, however, singled out Abbas’ snub, saying, “They disrespected our great vice president.”