After announcing his support for a two-state solution in the Israel-Palestinian conflict in a Wednesday press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Trump reiterated his support for a two-state solution in a subsequent press conference but added that he could be persuaded toward a one-state solution.
Trump stated that he was an optimistic that a deal could be forged on the matter. He noted that a two-state solution could be difficult — “it’s a real-estate deal,” but a two-state solution would allow for “people governing themselves.”
“By saying that, I put it out there,” Trump said. “If you ask most of the people in Israel, they agree with that. But nobody wanted to say it. It’s a very big thing to put it out.”
However, Trump added a caveat that he would be fine with a one-state solution if both sides were agreed to it.
“If the Israelis and the Palestinians want one state, that’s OK with me. If they want two states, that’s OK with me,” Trump said. “I’m happy if they’re happy. I’m a facilitator. I want to see if I can get a deal done so that people don’t get killed anymore.”
Trump later added, “If they’re both happy, I’m OK with either. I think the two-state is more likely.”
.@POTUS on Israel, Palestine negotiations: "If the Israelis and the Palestinians want one state, that's okay with me. If they want two states, that's okay with me…I want to see if I can get a deal done so that people don't get killed anymore." pic.twitter.com/tQUzLF5tli
— Fox News (@FoxNews) September 26, 2018
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