BREAKING: Saudis release positive statement about Trump peace plan. What exactly did they say? What exactly does it mean? A few thoughts, based on my visits with MBS.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry has just released a quite positive statement on the White House peace plan.

They thank President Trump and his administration for their efforts to make peace between Israel and the Palestinians.

They also urge the Palestinian leadership to take the plan seriously and return to direct negotiations.

Based on my meetings with HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other senior Saudi officials in two trips to the Kingdom over the past 18 months, I am very encouraged by this initial response.

My read is that the Saudis are increasingly open to moving towards their own peace process with Israel, for a variety of economic mix and strategic reasons. But first and foremost they are determined to do their best to assist the Palestinians in achieving a fair, safe and prosperous end to their century-long conflict with the Jewish people.

Personally, I hold little hope that Mahmoud Abbas is going to listen to the Saudis, or their other Arab neighbors. That saddens me.

But I am deeply encouraged that the Saudis, Emirates, Bahrainis and Egyptians have all issued statements today essentially saying that the Trump plan is a serious, reasonable and credible effort and arguing that the Palestinians should seize the moment and return to direct negotiations to secure the best possible future for themselves, their children and their grandchildren. Good for them.

In March, I will release a new novel called, The Jerusalem Assassin. It’s about an American President preparing to release his big peace plan when all Hell breaks loose. More on that later, but two points are worth noting for now.

First, in the novel, the Palestinian leadership bitterly rejects the American plan and then radical jihadist terrorists start attacking and assassinating senior American officials.

Second, in the novel, the Saudis start showing signs of maybe — just maybe — wanting to make peace with Israel.

I pray the first point never comes true. And I pray the second point does. Hope you’ll pray with me.

The statement:

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has viewed the U.S. Administration’s announcement of its peace plan titled: “Vision for Peace, Prosperity, and a Brighter Future.”

In light of the announcement, the Kingdom reiterates its support for all efforts aimed at reaching a just and comprehensive resolution to the Palestinian cause.

Since the time of the Founder King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al-Saud, and through the reign of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been at the forefront of the efforts in support of the brotherly Palestinian people, and in standing by their side in all international forums to attain their legitimate rights.

Among these efforts was the presentation of the Arab Peace Initiative in 2002, which stressed, in clear terms, that a military solution to the conflict has not brought peace or security to any party, and the comprehensive and just peace is a strategic option.

The kingdom appreciates the efforts of President Trump’s Administration to develop a comprehensive peace plan between the Palestinian and the Israeli sides, and encourages the start of direct peace negotiations between the Palestinian and Israeli sides, under the auspices of the United States, and to resolve any disagreements with aspects of the plan through negotiations, in order to move forward the peace process to reach an agreement that achieves legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.