Palestinians skeptical of Kushner’s peace effort

RAMALLAH, WEST BANK » Presidential adviser Jared Kushner met with Israeli and Palestinian leaders on Thursday to try to jumpstart moribund peace talks, but after months without progress the Mideast envoy faces growing skepticism on the Palestinian side.

With no clear vision for peace outlined by the administration and domestic issues distracting President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, expectations for the new peace push are low.

The Palestinians initially welcomed Trump’s election, but they have since grown impatient with what they say is a failure by the U. S. president to present a roadmap for peace. Specifically, they are seeking a halt to Israeli settlement construction on occu- pied lands, and an American commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state as part of a peace deal with Israel.

“If the U.S. team doesn’t bring answers to our questions this time, we are going to look into our options because the status quo is not working for our interests,” said Ahmad Majdalani, an aide to Abbas.

It was not clear whether Kushner offered any clarity during his three-hour meet- ing with Abbas. Nabil Abu Rdeneh, Abbas’ spokesman, called the meeting “positive,” without discussing details, and said the Palestinian leader had reiterated his desire for an American commitment to a Palestinian state.

“We greatly appreciate the efforts of U.S. President Donald Trump who pledged from the beginning that he is going to work for the ultimate deal,” Abbas said ahead of the meeting. “We know things are difficult and complicated, but nothing is impossible with good intentions.”

Kushner relayed Trump’s hope and optimism for “a better future” for Palestinians and Israelis.

Trump took office with hopes of striking what he calls the “ultimate deal” between Israelis and Palestinians — a goal that has eluded administrations before his dogged by the same intractable issues. But he has since given few details of his vision for peace, managing to frustrate both sides.

Kushner, Trump’s chief Middle East adviser and his son-in-law, met Netanyahu in Tel Aviv earlier Thursday before traveling to Ramallah later in the day to meet with Abbas. Kushner is expected to return to the U.S. today.

A statement from Netanyahu’s office after the meeting said the talks were “substantive” but gave no details on progress or further steps.