Trump to Reveal ‘Deal of Century’ Before Netanyahu, Gantz Visit

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he will unveil the details of his Israeli-Palestinian peace deal ahead of next week’s planned visit to Washington by Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, who may be joined by his chief political rival, Blue and White party head Benny Gantz. Speaking to reporters on Air Force One, Trump anticipated that Palestinians might initially reject the plan, but said, “It’s actually very positive for them.” Netanyahu will fly to the US on Sunday and meet with Trump in the White House on Tuesday. Gantz has not said whether he has accepted Trump’s invitation to Washington but he has withdrawn his previous objection to having the plan unveiled in the runup to Israel’s March 2 election. There was also no word on whether Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was invited to the White House. Trump only said that he would speak to the Palestinians “in a period of time.” Abbas’ spokesman, Nabil Abu Rudeineh, said, “We warn Israel and the US administration not to cross any red lines.” The timing of the plan’s release could boost the electoral chances of Netanyahu, who faces his third election in less than a year and who was recently indicted on criminal charges. But the inclusion of Gantz in the meeting may raise his own electoral prospects and suggests that the White House sees him as a serious contender for the office of prime minister. Trump himself is embattled in an impeachment trial in the US Senate and his own campaign for re-election in November.