Photo: Brandon Bell/Getty Images/AFP
Eurasia
04/12/2024 22:39
Donald Trump's incoming administration is prioritizing the immediate release of hostages without further delays, according to Massad Boulos, Trump’s newly-appointed Middle East adviser. In an exclusive interview with French newspaper Le Point, reviewed by the Jerusalem Post, Boulos emphasized that the release of hostages should remain separate from broader discussions about Gaza’s future, though it should occur within the framework of a temporary ceasefire.
“The president believes that the hostages must be released immediately and that there must be no further delay,” Boulos said. He also highlighted that their release should not be tied to “other issues related to the day after in Gaza.” Efforts to secure their release involve cooperation with countries such as Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, and Türkiye. However, Boulos cautioned against Türkiye replacing Qatar’s role as mediator, even while acknowledging Türkiye’s influence over Hamas, given its hosting of key officials from the group.
When asked about potential support for Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s plan to annex the West Bank, Boulos noted that Trump has not publicly addressed the issue, nor has the administration implemented a policy. “Starting January 20th, there will be a very clear and very specific policy on this subject, which must be respected,” Boulos remarked.
Discussions on a “roadmap leading to a Palestinian state” will also feature prominently in U.S.-Israel talks, Boulos said. He referred to Trump’s 2020 proposal for a Palestinian state, acknowledging it had been rejected by both parties. Trump’s focus, according to Boulos, is to reignite momentum around the Abraham Accords, particularly by engaging Saudi Arabia. “Once we reach an agreement with Saudi Arabia on Israel, there will be at least twelve Arab countries that will be immediately ready to follow suit,” Boulos explained. He clarified that Saudi Arabia is not insisting on the establishment of a Palestinian state as a precondition for an agreement.
On Iran, Boulos said Trump remains firmly opposed to the regime’s nuclear ambitions. The former president plans to reinstate “maximum pressure” policies on Tehran and believes the regime has shifted its approach since his re-election. However, Trump is open to negotiating with Iran on the nuclear deal itself rather than targeting the regime.
