The U.S. is preparing to roll out the economic part of President Donald Trump’s Mideast peace plan in Bahrain.
By Associated Press
The U.S. will release the first phase of its Middle East peace plan next month at a conference in Bahrain on the economic benefits that could flow from an end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The plan envisions large-scale investment and infrastructure work in Palestinian-controlled areas territories. But the central political elements remain mostly unknown. And the economic workshop June 25-26 is not expected to tackle the major points of contention: Israel’s security, borders, and Jerusalem.
The White House announced the forum on Sunday, saying it will give government, civil and business leaders a chance to gather support for economic initiatives that could be possible with a peace agreement.
But with the details of the political plan under wraps, commitment for economic development won’t come easily.
Meanwhile, the Palestinians maintain they will reject the plan, regardless of its contents, which has been the official policy of the Palestinian Authority since the plan’s existence was announced.
In addition to vowing to nix the plan, sight unseen, the Palestinians have maintained a near-complete boycott of the White House since President Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in December 2017
