Trump recognizes Israel claims in West Bank and East Jerusalem

The absolute last thing the world needs is a failed Palestinian state between Israel and Jordan...

He could have also added that:

• Jordan is a Palestinian Arab state that has occupied 78% of the land comprised in the Mandate for Palestine since 1922
• Redrawing the international boundary between Jordan and Israel in direct negotiations between those two states as successor States to the Mandate could see parts of the West Bank and East Jerusalem incorporated within each of these two existing states thereby eliminating any danger a failed third state would pose to their security and existence.

Interestingly – Friedman indicated that Trump's long awaited "deal of the century" might not even be released if Trump believed it would do more harm than good.

Friedman reportedly said the United States would coordinate closely with Jordan - which could face unrest among its large Palestinian population over a plan perceived as overly favourable to Israel.

We don't want to make things worse. Our goal is not to show how smart we are at the expense of people's safety.

Trump has seemingly anointed Jordan to replace the rejectionist Palestine Liberation Organization as Israel's negotiating partner on the future of the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

It now appears that Trump's proposals will not see the light of day unless Trump receives an unqualified assurance from Jordan that it is willing to negotiate with Israel before the plan's details are released.

Recognising Israel has claims in the West Bank and East Jerusalem sends a clear signal to Jordan and the rest of the Arab World that time is not on their side. The opportunity to yet again miss another opportunity to make peace looms large.

Trump has targeted the West Bank and East Jerusalem – as he already has in West Jerusalem and the Golan Heights – with amazing prescience.