Trump’s subtlety was lost
Congratulations to Gershon Baskin for noting that “despite Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, he did not unify Jerusalem, nor did he even speak about unified Jerusalem. He did say that the future of Jerusalem, its borders and its sovereignty would have to be decided by the Israelis and the Palestinians together” (“Our Jerusalem,” Encountering Peace, December 14).
He’s right about all three, and Jerusalem is just as divided as ever, regardless of US President Donald Trump.
Trump said: “We want an agreement that is a great deal for the Israelis and a great deal for the Palestinians. We are not taking a position of any final status issues, including the specific boundaries of the Israeli sovereignty in Jerusalem, or the resolution of contested borders. Those questions are up to the parties involved.” Also, he signed another six-month waiver, delaying the moving of the embassy, and emphasized how long it would take – implying how many more waivers of delay he would be signing.
There are already large US consular buildings in Jerusalem and all Trump would have to do is change the signs on the doors from “Consulate” to “Embassy.” It could all have been done by yesterday. The only possible reason it wasn’t is because he meant what he said, and Baskin is right: Trump did not speak about a unified or “undivided” Jerusalem and wants great deal for both Israelis and Palestinians, so Jerusalem could still be negotiated as Israel’s and Palestine’s shared capital.
There seem to be many who are in denial or busy cherry-picking what Trump said. Baskin got it right. And it’s the only explanation why the embassy hasn’t moved already.
Trump spoke of “our strong commitment to facilitate a lasting peace agreement” and a great deal for everyone. He said both “God bless Israel” and “God bless the Palestinians.”
The massive symbolism of the announcement brought jubilation among Israeli hawks and anger among Palestinians and the citizens of neighboring Muslim states. Unfortunately, the president’s subtlety was lost. JAMES ADLER Cambridge, Massachusetts