Trump Says Peace Deals Close between Israel and '5 or 6' Other Nations

W300

U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that "five or six" more Arab countries were poised to agree to normalize relations with Israel, in line with the landmark accords struck between the Jewish state and the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

"We're very far down the road with about five countries, five additional countries," Trump said as he hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office, ahead of a signing ceremony with both Arab states for the U.S.-brokered peace deal.

"We'll have at least five or six countries coming along very quickly, we're already talking to them," Trump said.

Trump did not name the additional countries, but hinted during separate bilateral talks with UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan that Saudi Arabia may be on board without saying so specifically. 

"We've had great talks with Saudi Arabia. I think their mind is very open," said Trump who also met with Bahrain Foreign Minister Abdullatif al-Zayani ahead of the signing ceremony.

For the Mideast, the deals dubbed the Abraham Accords mark a distinct shift in a decades-old status quo where Arab countries have tried to maintain unity against Israel over its treatment of the stateless Palestinians.

"After decades of division and conflict we mark the dawn of a new Middle East," Trump said as the signing ceremony began.

Palestinian leaders have urged demonstrations in the occupied territories and outside embassies of the United States, Israel, Bahrain and the UAE to protest what they called "shameful agreements."

Trump nonetheless voiced confidence the Palestinians would eventually sign on to the US-brokered peace agreements -- which he hopes will boost his reelection chances in November.

"The Palestinians will absolutely be a member. I don't say that with any bravado, I just tell you the Palestinians will be a member at the right time," Trump said.

The White House event will be the first time Arab nations have established relations with Israel since Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994.

Hundreds of people were invited to attend and a symbolic handshake between the Arab representatives and Netanyahu has not been ruled out.

Comments 10
Thumb gebran_sons over 3 years

No Arab country will benefit more from a peace deal with Israel than Lebanon. Gulf nations may have money and managers, but we have the engineers and creative business spirit. Gulf nations may have sky scrapers and resorts, but we have tourist areas, nice summer weather, cultural vibrancy and winter snow resorts. Gulf nations may have best airlines, we have common borders for a daily trip. A peace will render the south the most valuable land in Lebanon and the natural location for joint ventures and mini Silicon Valleys. Time for Lebanon to set conditions for peace with Israel and prepare for referendum vote. Top conditions compensating southern village for war damage and resolving Palestinian refugees with west cooperation. France and Germany fought each other for a thousand year, but only found peace and prosperity when they joined in a united Europe. Now our turn!

Thumb kanaanljdid over 3 years

Men temmak ila bab es sama!

Thumb lebnanfirst over 3 years

We have a dream and so long as we are here, this dream will remain alive.

Missing ArabDemocrat.com over 3 years

That will not happen until Israel makes a just peace with Palestinians.

Thumb kanaanljdid over 3 years

This will happen when Lebanese decide, only. We are not the toy of Abu Mazen and his corrupt friends who don't want the Arab-Israeli issue to be settled.

Missing ArabDemocrat.com over 3 years

Abu Mazen and the authority have bent backward to accommodate Israel but is Israel that acts like a bully. But you are right that it is up to the Lebanese people and it is very clear that the majority are against war but also against signing a deal with Israel before the Palestinian issue is resolved

Missing kazan over 3 years

Canadianleb, I also doubt about the potential of the Lebanese in long term strategical thinking and achieving constructive results in Lebanon, the thoughts exchanged above are theoretical dreams, probably based on the achievements of certain Lebanese people abroad. In Lebanon they can't function in a team, even in team sports they fail because of their mutual animosity. But as such it is nice and there is no harm in having dreams.

Thumb canadianleb over 3 years

I hate to say this but Lebanon will be forced into a peace treaty and like all other peace treaties with Israel we will be at the loosing end. look at the Egypt and Jordan treaties and see who came out ahead. If the Muslim world know what the UAE and Bahrain gave up in regards to the Dome of the Rock they will go crazier than usual. The Jews are now allowed to worship tat the Dome of the Rock and Muslims are not allowed any where near the wall.....

Thumb kanaanljdid over 3 years

There is no Palestinian people, or maybe 30 Palestinian people, so don't wait for them to be united and grateful. We just need to stick to reason and our interest which are in making full peace with Israel, which is a real country and real State, not like this Fakestinians, those nawwar who only knows violence and intimidation.

Missing ArabDemocrat.com over 3 years

You are are a racist. Palestinians are definitely more united on their issues than Lebanese. And no matter how much you wish, there will be no peace agreement until the Palestinian issue is resolved