WJC President Ronald S. Lauder: Strong chemistry between Trump and Netanyahu may be recipe for end to Israeli-Palestinian conflict

NEW YORK - World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder on Wednesday welcomed the “extremely positive” meeting held earlier in the day between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as an “an encouraging sign that the historic alliance between Israel and the United States is back on strong footing.”

Lauder said: “I have known both President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu for decades, and can attest to their shared commitment to the Jewish people and to the security of the State of Israel, and to their keen desire to put an end to the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Trump and Netanyahu have clear chemistry and a mutual vision for the future of Israel and the region. Through their cooperation and friendship, we may truly achieve peace.

“I am also heartened by President Trump’s expressed commitment that ‘the United States will encourage a peace, and really a great peace deal’ and to the principle that it is the ‘parties themselves who must directly negotiate such an agreement.’

“I trust both Netanyahu and Trump will carefully evaluate the reality on the ground and determine the best possible course of action for both Israelis and Palestinians,” Lauder said.