Kushner Meets With Netanyahu, Abbas to Seek Path to Solution

Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's adviser and son-in-law held separate talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in an effort to renew peace negotiations, The Jerusalem Post reported.

Kushner joined by U.S. Mideast envoy Jason Greenblatt and Ambassador David Friedman met for two and a half hours with the Israeli leader before going to Ramallah for talks with Abbas, the newspaper said.

"The three United States officials discussed Israel's priorities and potential next steps with Prime Minister Netanyahu, acknowledging the critical role Israel plays in the security of the region," the White House said in a statement.

And Netanyahu welcomed Kushner to his office, saying: "This is an opportunity to pursue our common goals of security, prosperity, and peace, and Jared and​ I welcome you here in that spirit. I know of your efforts and the president's efforts, and I look forward to working with you to achieve these common goals."

Post reporter Herb Keinon noted: "The meetings come as the Trump administration continues to talk in general terms about its desire to broker an agreement, but has given no concrete indication about how it plans to bring that about. At this stage, Washington is looking for commitments by the sides in the peace process, and for steps that could be taken to improve the atmosphere."

The Trump administration has no plans right now to call for a Trump-Netanyahu-Abbas summit.

But Trump has made it clear working toward a lasting peace agreement between the two sides is a top priority for him, CNN reported.

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