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US Special Envoy returns to Israel

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The US Special Envoy to the Middle East has returned to Israel just days after the US President left the country.

While there, he discussed economic initiatives approved by the Israeli security cabinet on Sunday during a meeting with Israel’s Minister of Intelligence and Transportation Israel Katz.

Last month, Katz had announced he was working on a plan, “Tracks for peace” that will include rail links to Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the Gulf States and even Iraq. In return, those Arab states will be given access to the Mediterranean through Israel’s ports in Haifa and Ashdod.

In the evening Greenblatt and US Ambassador David Friedman met Prime Minister Netanyahu.

Greenblatt’s office put out a statement announcing that he also met Leah and Simcha Goldin. It said he “conveyed his deep sympathy for the loss of their beloved son Hadar, who was killed while serving as a lieutenant in the IDF during the Gaza conflict in 2014.  Mr Greenblatt expressed outrage at the inhumane actions of Hamas in holding their son’s body hostage.”

During his visit, Greenblatt also met Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, for the second time, this week.

It is thought they also discussed the implementation of the range of economic incentives previously discussed with Israeli minister Katz. These include opening the Allenby Bridge crossing between the West Bank and Jordan 24 hours a day, the development of two industrial zones and approving building permits for Palestinians in Israel controlled areas.

Palestinian media report that Abbas also asked Greenblatt to talk to Israel about the demands of the Palestinian prisoners who have been on hunger strike since April 2017.

Led by Marwan Barghouti, who is serving five life sentences for murder, the mostly Fatah affiliated prisoners are demanding an end solitary confinement and detention without trial. They also want improved conditions such as air conditioning, medical checks, access to books, television, and the Open University, and family visit. The Israeli Prison Service upholds the international standards in their treatment of prisoners.

The meetings followed the 27-hour visit to Israel by US President Donald Trump, in which he visited key landmarks like the Western Wall and Yad Vasehm, and met with both Netanyahu and Abbas. Reports since the visit indicate he wants to reignite a new peace process within a month.