Trump: Israel not the root of Mideast's problems

(JNS) As President Donald Trump was poised to publicize his administration’s national security doctrine Monday, reports indicate that the document will emphasize that Israel is not the cause of chaos in the Middle East. 

According to The Associated Press, the 70-page doctrine is based upon a significantly different national security approach than that of Trump’s predecessor, President Barack Obama, particularly regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. 

“For generations the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians has been understood as the prime irritant preventing peace and prosperity in the region,” states a draft of the doctrine obtained by The Associated Press.

“Today, the threats from radical jihadist terrorist organizations and the threat from Iran are creating the realization that Israel is not the cause of the region’s problems,” the document adds. “States have increasingly found common interests with Israel in confronting common threats.”

The doctrine’s publication comes ahead of Vice President Mike Pence’s trip to Israel this week. Pence is expected to become the first U.S. leader to visit Jerusalem’s Western Wall in an official capacity.