A senior official in the Israeli political establishment assessed on Tuesday that the United States will suspend the publication of President Trump’s peace plan for a significant time.
According to the official, the Americans are conveying messages that there is no intention of publishing the plan within the foreseeable future because of the growing conflict with the Palestinian Authority.
"At this stage, it appears that even if the Americans offer a proposal that is good for the Palestinians, they will only refuse because of the circumstances and the front they have opened against the US. The US administration wants the plan to be productive, and therefore will wait for calm - which, in the meantime, is nowhere in sight," the source added.
A source in the American administration involved in contacts between Israel and the PA has estimated in recent days that the postponement could be very long, since there are those close to Trump who claim that it is necessary to wait until PA Chairman Abbas is replaced.
Supporters of this move argue that it will be very difficult to move toward peace with Abbas, who only exacerbates the situation in his statements against the Americans.
Within the US administration, some insight leading to this conclusion stems from the disappointment over the fact that the PA boycotted the White House conference last week to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Israel, notably, took part in the event together with Arab and European countries.
Last night, another record low was recorded in Abbas’ attacks against American officials, which have intensified since the United States recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
Abbas spoke in Ramallah, expressing anger at US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman’s criticism of the Palestinian Authority after it refused to condemn the recent terror attacks in which three Jews were murdered within several days.
"The United States legitimizes settlements," Abbas said. "That's what American officials do, and at their head, in Tel Aviv, is David Friedman. He said, 'They're building on their own land.' The son of a dog (an Arabic insult, not to be confused with the milder English S.O.B, ed.) they're building on their own land? He himself is a settler, and his entire family are settlers."
Speaking at the Global Forum for Combating Anti-Semitism later in the evening, Friedman reacted to Abbas’ remarks. "Three Jews were killed in cold blood by the Palestinian terrorists, and the reaction from the Palestinian Authority was deafening silence. No condemnation whatsoever. I pointed that out, without further adjectives, without further commentary."
"Abu Mazen (Abbas) chose to respond. ... His response was to refer to me as the 'son of a dog.' Anti-Semitism, or political discourse? Not for me to judge. I'll leave that all up to you."
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu also responded, saying, "Abu Mazen's remarks about US Ambassador David Friedman say it all. This is the first time in decades that the US government is no longer spoiling the Palestinian leaders, and is telling them: Enough is enough. Apparently the shock of hearing the truth has made them lose their senses."
