OPINION

Israelis, Palestinians must be willing to negotiate

Readers react to President Trump’s trip to Israel: #tellusatoday

USA TODAY
President Trump at the Western Wall in Jerusalem on May 22, 2017.

President Trump visited Jerusalem’s Western Wall on Monday, a site with both religious and political significance as he attempts to broker peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Comments are edited for clarity and grammar:

Trump will inevitably fail. When things don’t go his way, he will have one of his little temper tantrums just like he always does.

— Debbie Ganassi

Bravo to our president for affirming our allegiance to Israel. The embarrassing traitor-in-charge we had to deal with for the past eight years (Barack Obama) created unnecessary angst and fear among people of both lands. I’m sure Israelis, as well as the majority of Americans who elected Trump to be our leader, are relieved to finally have moved past Obama’s policies.

Patricia Murphy

This is just another Trump diversion. Things were looking bad for Trump here, so why not a little trip abroad on taxpayers’ dime? How many more scripted speeches until Trump comes home to face justice?

John Bertelson

Policing the USA

Trump arrives in Israel in search of 'the ultimate deal'

I hope a peace deal can be reached, but it’s just paper — which is only as good as the people standing behind it. I seriously question Israeli and Palestinian intent and desire to have peace. The problem Trump will have is that all of his negotiated deals as a businessman only dealt with money. Everything ultimately came down to money and wealth. This is not a money issue. These are deep-rooted issues based in religion and in many ways could be viewed as irrational. You will not be able to logically try to resolve these issues as you can with a monetary dispute.

Scott Simpson

To broker a deal, it requires a mediator with the highly honed skill of persuading the parties involved to give and take. Trump does not have that skill in his tool box.

And historically, Israel doesn’t compromise on anything. Where are the Palestinians during this trip? This was a trip with a focus on Israel. You can’t broker a deal if only one of the parties is present.

Edward Scott

We asked our followers whether President Trump’s presence in Israel will help ease tensions in the Middle East. Tweets are edited for clarity and grammar:

Whether or not it does, we need to back Israel and stand with it. I’m glad Trump is standing with Israel.

@catloverplayer

No! Islam and its dangerous military manual, the Quran, must be destroyed before any peace can even begin to be negotiated.

@Racoon2013

No, because the world knows Trump’s a liar who’s only out for himself! A con man, and the entire world is seeing it clearly day by day!

@Kristen_2017

Yes. Trump will be successful as long as journalists stay out and keep their silly stories to themselves.

@Support45POTUS

Sure ... for a New York minute, as Trump continues to say whatever fits the occasion and then reverses his stance when it suits him.

@nwseal11

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