During his interview as Time Magazine's Man of the Year, President-elect Donald Trump expressed his desire for lasting peace in the Middle East, emphasizing the significance of October 7, a date he described as "horrible for the world."
In a wide-ranging conversation, Trump was asked about his views on Israel and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. He asserted that resolving issues in the Middle East might be less challenging than those between Russia and Ukraine. "The situation in the Middle East will be addressed. What happened on October 7 was a tragic event for the entire world, not just for Israel. While some may overlook it, I believe progress is being made as we speak. I find it more complex than the Russia-Ukraine situation, but ultimately, it's more solvable."
Although Trump mentioned he hasn't received any guarantees from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the cessation of hostilities, he conveyed a sense of mutual confidence, stating, "I believe he trusts me and knows I want this conflict to end."
When asked about his stance on a two-state solution, Trump responded, "I support a peace plan that can take various forms. The Abraham Accords were a significant step, but I believe they should have included more countries. The current administration has not expanded on that initiative, which is disappointing."
He continued, "There are alternative solutions beyond the two-state model, but my goal is to achieve not just any peace, but a lasting one. We cannot continue to face tragedy every few years. Other options exist."
Trump also touched on the potential for conflict with Iran during his presidency, stating, "Anything can happen in such a volatile environment."