Some Insights on the Trump Peace Plan

Some Insights on the Trump Peace Plan

by Robert Stearns

Dear Praying Friends,

In light of the historic announcement of President Trump’s peace plan, I thought it would be helpful to share a few important observations to guide us, as we pray and work for the peace and prosperity of Israel and the greater Middle East.

Towards that end, it’s important to note significant moments that could shift the geopolitical climate of that region.

Yesterday was one of those moments.

President Trump, along with Prime Minister Netanyahu, presented to the world his administration’s peace plan for the Israeli and Palestinian people. I’d like to share seven observations from the plan and identify prayer targets to correspond with each of them.

1. The Priority of Israel’s Security

The plan endorses a two-state solution without compromising Israel’s security. It defines defensible borders for Israel, and it outlines security criteria that Palestinian leaders must accept before statehood is possible. This plan endeavors to differentiate itself from former peace plans by realistically assessing what is necessary for Israel’s security.

Prayer Target: As this process unfolds, let’s continue to pray for the safety and security of both the Israeli and Palestinian people. “For the sake of my brethren and companions, I will now say, ‘Peace be with you’” (Psalm 122:8).

2. The Prosperity of the Palestinian People

The plan not only presents a political framework for peace, but it also lays out a strategy for prosperity within a Palestinian state. The plan details a pathway to civil and economic infrastructures that could give young Palestinians a sense of hope and future. It affirms Palestinian aspiration for self-determination and integration into global markets.

Prayer Target: Let’s pray Palestinian leaders would have a deep sense of responsibility for the next generation, exercising the wisdom and goodness to leave an inheritance of blessing to their “children’s children” (Proverbs 13:22).

3. Unified Israeli Leadership

The nation of Israel is in a moment of political turmoil, approaching another round of elections. However, the Trump administration wisely secured endorsements of the peace plan from both primary political leaders, Benjamin Netanyahu and Benjamin Gantz. Therefore, the outcome of the elections should not restart the entire peace process and negotiations.

Prayer Target: Let’s pray for stability within Israel for the sake of its longevity and the region’s peaceful progress. “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Timothy 2:1, 2).

4. Active Participation of Muslim Nations

Three Muslim nations (Oman, Bahrain, and UAE) participated in yesterday’s ceremony, signaling their support. Others, such as Saudi Arabia, were not physically present but encouraged Palestinian leaders to use the plan as a starting point for negotiations. Though some Muslim nations were hostile to the plan (Iran and Turkey), there is not a holistically united front of opposition.

Prayer Target: Let’s pray that not only the Arab Palestinians but the larger Muslim world, would come to the place of peace with Israel. Let’s agree that God “makes even his enemies to be at peace with him” (Proverbs 16:7).

5. Absence of Palestinian Leadership

While some Muslim nations participated, Palestinian leaders were noticeably absent from yesterday’s ceremony. According to Thomas Friedman of the New York Times, “Palestinian leaders . . . boycotted the design of this plan.” Their refusal to engage the conversation is an alarming indicator that peaceful co-existence is not within the scope of their priorities.

Prayer Target: Let’s pray God would raise up leaders who desire peace and prosperity for their people. According to Proverbs 11:14, nations rise and fall through the wisdom of their leaders.

6. Peaceful Access to Holy Sites

The plan recognizes the significance of the Holy Land to Jewish, Christian, and Muslim traditions. Thus, it endeavors to provide peaceful access to all holy sites within the Land.

Prayer Target: Let’s pray religious persecution and discrimination would subside as each person honors “the other” with human dignity. Regardless of religious expression, each human is made “in the image of God” (Genesis 1:27).

7. A Unified Jerusalem

The plan acknowledges Israel’s faithful stewardship of Jerusalem, maintaining the status quo on the Temple Mount and not restricting access to holy sites. Therefore, it continues to recognize Israel’s undivided capital as Jerusalem. According to the plan, this recognition is in alignment with the precedent set by “all former presidents who have been involved in the peace process.”

Prayer Target: Let’s continue to “pray for the peace of Jerusalem” (Psalm 122:6).

Lastly, I encourage you to download and read the peace plan for yourself. Media networks will emphasize one aspect or another, depending on their bias and agenda. My observations are certainly not comprehensive, and as Watchmen on the Wall, each of us has a responsibility to be informed and aware of these significant developments. You can download the plan here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/peacetoprosperity/.

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