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Trump To Meet Netanyahu And Gantz At White House; Race To Contain Spreading Coronavirus; Palestinians Have Dismissed Trump's Peace Plan. Aired 11a-12p ET
Aired January 27, 2020 - 11:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[11:00:21]
ANNOUNCER: Live from CNN Abu Dhabi, this is CONNECT THE WORLD with Becky Anderson.
BECKY ANDERSON, CNN INTERNATIONAL ANCHOR: This hour, U.S. President Donald Trump meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House.
And later, we'll sit down with the Prime Minister's political rival, Benny Gantz. That is ahead of the revealing of Mr. Trump's much wanted Middle
East peace plan.
Also, the spreading coronavirus, a global outbreak right now. 80 people dead in China. And it is accelerating much faster than expected.
And we remember basketball legend Kobe Bryant who died in a helicopter crash on Sunday. Vigils and all the tributes happening across the globe.
And news now on the crash investigation.
We start with the U.S. President to his meeting with Israel's Prime Minister before he unveils the much anticipated Middle East peace plan. You
can see them here at their last meeting back in March when President Trump formerly recognized Israel's authority over the Golan Heights. Mr.
Netanyahu is found a close friend in this president and while he faces legal charges back home. Not to mention another general election in March.
There is no doubt he is leaning on that friendship right now as you would expect on CONNECT THE WORLD. We are connecting all of the dots on this
story for you. We've got CNN's Joe John standing by at the White House. CNN's Oren Liebermann is in Jerusalem and Sam Kiley now joining U.S. from
the Mount of Olives which overlooks Jerusalem's old city. It is worth pointing out here that for the most of the international community where,
Sam is standing is regarded as occupied territory whose final status is yet to be resolved.
Israel regards it as part of its unified divided capital. And for that reason, Sam let us start with you, at this point the details of this March
volunteer plan scares. What are your sources telling you?
SAM KILEY, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, I think one of the key issues here is obviously the status of Jerusalem headed to the status
of Jerusalem or certainly the status of East Jerusalem as it's known internationally as occupied territory as you point out. That is not
something that's recognized, obviously, by the Israeli government and has recently been the idea of a unified Jerusalem has been reinforced by Donald
Trump's decision to move the embassy from Tel Aviv.
The U.S. embassy to here in Jerusalem. Indeed, just a couple of miles in that direction. Now, why does this matter whether the Palestinians still
lay claim to part of this city potentially, as their future capital, but given that the American position there is a strong sense among the
Palestinian leadership, that that position has been lost already, they've also been signals coming about the possible future status of that famous
building.
But behind me the Dome of the Rock and next to it, the Al-Aqsa Mosque making up what Muslims call the Haram al-Sharif that falls at the moment
under the custodianship of Jordan's King Abdullah II, will that remain at least nominally in Arab hands. Now, I think it'd be a very, very
potentially explosive issue if the Americans were to suggest that the Israelis should end up as the sovereign power on what the Israelis call the
Temple Mount.
That is the sort of thing that would undermine support for this peace deal very severely in the rest of the Arab world, particularly in the Gulf and
Saudi Arabia, where they have been privately signaling to the Trump administration that they are at least interested in hearing what he has to
say but they know that on the Arab Street, concession of that kind could be highly explosive. And then of course, there are much more complex issues
about the future of the Jordan Valley and elsewhere.
But a great deal of This will really hang on the future of East Jerusalem.
[11:05:03]
KILEY: And the position so far of the Americans really in public statements and in public in their behavior, Becky, has been that that is not something
that they believe is going to be negotiable and therefore not part of a peace plan when they present it to the Palestinians.
ANDERSON: Oren, we expect to see both the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opposition leader Benny Gantz at the White House shortly.
They are staggering meetings as it were and what was a mad dash it seems to Washington. Ahead of that moment do remind us why today is so historic.
KILEY: Well, unlike what we've seen, generally from the Trump administration, when it comes to Israel, the Palestinian territories this
peace plan could really be a game changer and could change facts on the ground. When it comes to the Golan Heights, when it comes to recognizing
Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, though they were certainly symbolic decisions and symbolism is important here.
That didn't really change anything on the ground here. Whereas this peace plan very much could. If you compare it to peace efforts in the past, those
were generally based at least in part on U.N. Security Council resolutions. There was a consensus that settlement blocks in the west bank would end up
in Israel but only with mutually agreed upon land swaps, only through negotiations.
Jerusalem would be a negotiated issue generally with Israeli neighborhoods or Jewish neighborhoods ending up in Israel, and Arab neighborhoods ending
up in a future state of Palestine. This is fully expected to discard all of that and set out on its own path, a path that is much more pro-Israel.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KILEY: Since the beginning of Israeli Palestinian negotiations, the U.S. has been a key player, whether it's George H.W. Bush during the first
meetings in Madrid, or Bill Clinton on the lawn of the White House with the landmark Oslo Accords, the United States has often been at the center of
the photos and the process. More than just an observer, the White House has in the past pressure, control, push and urged the size to come new
agreements.
In the last 30 years every American president has brought together the Israeli and Palestinian leaders in an attempt to end the conflict. Camp
David, the Clinton parameters, Bush's roadmap to peace, negotiations in 2010 and 2013. Progress, if any, was incremental. Now it's President Donald
Trump's time to try. He's set to unveil his long awaited much hype deal of the century this week, not to the Israelis and Palestinians but to the
Israelis and the Israelis.
Palestinians have outright rejected any plan from the Trump administration, in any process that doesn't include them.
SAEB EREKAT, PALESTINIAN CHIEF NEGOTIATOR: It cannot even be called the deal of the century. It is the fraud and the hawks of the century. This is
the most unfair game we've ever witnessed in international relations.
KILEY: Headed to Washington, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his rival Benny Gantz expected to meet with Trump on Monday. Both of coldest
and historic opportunity.
BENJAMIN NETANYAHU, ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER (through translator): When we are in the midst of very dramatic diplomatic events, but the climax is
still ahead of us.
KILEY: This will be Gantz's first ever meeting with the American president in what he called a personal invitation.
BENNY GANTZ, ISRAELI BLUE AND WHITE PARTY LEADER: President fall and committed partner, I wish to say to him from this stage, Israel is forever
thankful for the United States friendship, and the United States can always count on Israel partnership.
KILEY: But this isn't a straightforward trip for Gantz. The timing of the release has led many to believe this is another political gift from the
White House and Netanyahu, their loudest international cheerleader. The 70- year-old Israeli leader is facing indictment during a tough reelection campaign. The release of the plan now looks like a lifeline thrown by the
White House, one that also distracts from impeachment hearings in Washington.
Netanyahu is expected to meet Trump a second time on Tuesday, the exact day Israel's Parliament votes on whether to allow immunity hearings for
Netanyahu to begin.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KILEY: Aside from what's just in the peace plan, we also want to see what actions it leads to. Will the Trump administration give Israel the green
light to annex summer parts of the West Bank? It seems that answer may very well be yes. And then, of course, the question, does Netanyahu act on that
green light before the elections? That would clearly come across as a political move, one that puts his rival Benny Gantz in a very difficult
situation.
And certainly Becky, one that distracts from the indictment hearings and oh, by the way, the first one of those to convene the committee that a look
at that immunity is tomorrow, the day Netanyahu meets Trump.
ANDERSON: Joe, the sense then, this is as much about politics as it is about peace. What is the word on the ground there in Washington?
JOE JOHNS, CNN SENIOR WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENT: The feeling here in Washington is that this is at least an opportunity for the administration
to get a sense from both sides of the political picture in Israel as to whether this peace plan that they've cooked up with the help of the
president's son in law, Jared Kushner, that would be acceptable, regardless of who goes forward after March.
[11:10:13]
JOHNS: It's important to say, obviously, we know who is attending this meeting, the President of the United States, the Vice President, the U.S.
Secretary of State and the Prime Minister after that, of course, we'll see Benny Gantz here at the White House as well. So clearly, a lot of politics
here involved. But the most interesting thing is how closely held the details of the plan have been.
I reached out just today to the White House to try to get an idea even of the procedural parameters around all of this and was told essentially to
wait until tomorrow. So the administration thinks they can get some sense of this from both sides of the picture in Israel and then presumably, an
announcement tomorrow, Becky.
ANDERSON: Let's just here what the White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham had to say earlier.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
STEPHANIE GRISHAM, WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY: This is probably quite literally one of the biggest problems to take on in the entire world. And
here we've got a president who is not afraid to do it and is already, I think, gone farther than any other administration to make this happen. So
I'm not going to get ahead of anything that may or may not happen. But I think the fact that they're both going to be here, and he's going to meet
with both of them is huge news.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: That was Stephanie Grisham, the White House Press Secretary. And, Sam, back to you. What happens next then for the Palestinians?
KILEY: Well, that really is the key question. They're going to keep their powder dry, obviously, until the results of this planner are published,
then arguably, they may wish to wait and see who emerges as Israel's Prime Minister after March because, as you found in your interview yesterday with
Saeb Erekat, the chief Palestinian negotiator, the alternative is potentially the collapse of the Palestinian authority and the very complete
end of the Oslo peace process. This is what he said in that key interview.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
EREKAT: There is a big chance here, that the Palestinian authority will not be able to sustain such a head and Netanyahu will find himself fully in-
charged and shouldering his responsibility as an occupying power from the River Jordan to the Mediterranean is a big possibility that with this hit
of President Trump and Netanyahu, the Palestinian authority will be destroyed by Netanyahu and maybe that's what he wants.
Maybe that's what he wants so he can say, who should I make peace with?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KILEY: Now, the problem there is that if that were to be the case, that is the sort of final last throw of the Palestinian Liberation Organization in
terms of a peace process, that they're not saying that it's a threat, they're saying that it's just may be the result. That would be highly
problematic, particularly for the Europeans who've been underwriting stability through massive donation in the West Bank and in -- arguably in
Gaza too.
The prospect, therefore ultimately could be a return to violence in the end of this very drawn out, but ultimately potentially unsuccessful peace
process so-called, Becky.
ANDERSON: Doing what we say on the tin, joining the dots for you folks. Sam, Joe and Oren, thank you.
This hour, China putting in some $9 billion, that's billion with a B, to try and wrestle a deadly global virus back on the control. Fears of this
virus sending global markets into the red. The Dow opening 548 points lower, pouring back just a little bit of that ground as we speak, but still
1-1/2 percent lower the S&P 500 also opening down as did the NASDAQ. Most major Asian indices much closer the epicenter of the outbreak of course,
falling on Monday, as well.
And to that we believe the virus originated from Wuhan, deep in China. Frankly most people probably hadn't heard of Wuhan until just the last few
weeks. But it along with 14 other places are now in full or partial lockdown. That means it is much harder, or indeed impossible to get in or
out. And here's why. So far, eight t people have died in 2700 cases have now been confirmed. And it has been spreading.
There have also been 50 cases confirmed outside of mainland China. You can here on that map. Let's connect you to David Culver now. He's been up all
hours from the Chinese capital. That is where they are mobilizing a simply massive effort to get all of this under control. So specifically David what
are authorities doing to try and put a cap on this?
[11:15:02]
DAVID CULVER, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: An incredible containment effort that's underway and this has been touted by President Xi Jinping
himself. He's been pushing this forward, suggesting that local leaders must carry this out. And part of that is a deployment of at least 3000 medical
personnel. That includes civilian and military medical personnel. There are nurses and doctors currently on the ground, they've got another thousand on
standby.
It also has to do with sending in the amount of supplies that are needed to deal with this crisis. Put this in perspective here. They estimate that
they need about 100,000 hazmat suits each and every day. That's three million a month. Now currently, the health officials that we've heard from
have said that they can only produce about 30,000 a month. So what are they doing, Becky, they are bringing in people who are on holiday for the spring
festival and putting them back at work in the production locations so that they can produce as many of these products as possible and meet that demand
and get them to those who need them most.
But also the lockdown zone is continuing that's part of this containment effort. 57 million people within that's larger than the population of Spain
to put it in perspective. And we spoke to an American woman and her young daughter who are determined to get out.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
At the epicenter of the corona virus outbreak, Priscilla Dickie and her eight-year-old daughter Hermione are preparing for a flight back to the
U.S.
PERSILLA DICKIE, U.S. CITIZEN STRANDED IN WUHAN, CHINA: I signed up and then I get a call at 4:00 and now kind of scramble my way to get into a car
at 2:00 in the morning to get to the airport. But like, at least 5:00 or 6:00.
CULVER: The pair live in Wuhan, China. The city's been on lockdown since Thursday. No one is to leave without special permission. The U.S. State
Department arranged a charter flight for American diplomats and a select number of civilians including Priscilla and Hermoine, scheduled to depart
Wuhan on Tuesday. Destination, California. Priscilla's reason. Well sitting right next to her.
P. DICKIE: Just her. Just having her with me because if I was by myself I'd probably be like, whatever. I'm just gonna write it out.
CULVER: They're leaving this Chinese military medical teams are arriving, the personnel brought with them a batch of much needed supplies, including
10,000 protective suits, but the demand for facemask and other protective gear far outnumbers the current supply, which is why assembly lines were
ordered to power backup during the holiday. Employees working overtime. This as a swarm of construction crews work to build not one but two
hospitals within two weeks' time.
They will be dedicated to treating those infected with the virus. Meantime on the eve of their evacuation from Wuhan, Priscilla and Hermione know the
long flight back to the U.S. is only the beginning of a long journey.
P. DICKIE: What I've heard is that they're going to quarantine us for anywhere from 72 hours to 14 days.
H. DICKIE: 14 days?
P. DICKIE: Yes. And then after that, we are free to travel back to our destinations.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CULVER: You've got to appreciate the unfiltered reaction there from young Hermione, 14 days, two weeks. But part of the reason for that, Becky, is
because health officials here have come forward with what is some pretty alarming news. They suggest that it is possible that in the incubation
period, one to 14 days that somebody has come in contact or been exposed to the virus and could potentially contract it themselves or even transmitted,
they say for that duration of two weeks, they could be a carrier and pass it along to another person unknowingly.
That is why now we see such a strong reaction from neighboring territories like Hong Kong and neighboring countries nearby at least Singapore and
suggesting that folks who have come to this province that we're talking about, Hubei Province are not to come in unless two weeks have passed.
ANDERSON: Yes. It's amazing stuff. David, we are also hearing that drugs that are usually use with HIV and AIDS patients are being used to treat the
coronavirus patients there in Beijing. Is there any evidence that those drugs would be effective in this situation?
CULVER: That's right. Health officials here in China have come forward saying that they are moving forward with two drugs in particular that have
been effective with HIV and AIDS. And this is a trial essentially that they're going forward with. And we should point out that health officials
in the U.S. say there is no evidence that this is effective, but essentially saying it can't hurt going forward with it.
We do know that the head of the World Health Organization, Becky is actually here in Beijing got here today is meeting with Chinese health
officials.
[11:20:04]
CULVER: They're trying to determine what exactly would be effective in containing this going forward.
ANDERSON: David Culver is in Beijing for you. David, thank you. And David, of course, in Wuhan, the beginning of all of this days ago. David, thank
you. And folks, according to flight connections.com, Wuhan Airport has nonstop passenger flight scheduled to more than 100 destinations and almost
two dozen countries. If this virus is spreading without symptoms, as the authorities now seem to be suggesting, that does suggest the number of
people at risk around the world could be a lot higher than currently thought.
So what kind of symptoms might you notice? Well, they can be more like a headache or cough, they can be as bad as pneumonia, sepsis or as we are
sadly seeing even death. You can get a lot more information on exactly what is going on and what you might need to learn more about this virus at
CNN.com you would expect that to be your one stop shop for information.
But from Los Angeles to the Philippines, people paying tribute to basketball legend Kobe Bryant. Up next, we will take a look at everything
he achieved both on and off the court.
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ANDERSON: You are looking at live pictures outside the Staples Center in Los Angeles. That has become a memorial as the city and people around the
world mourn the death of basketball legend Kobe Bryant. His 13-year-old daughter and seven others in a helicopter crash. Unless you look at the
scenes from Los Angeles, these tributes are everywhere. Here's a look at how Bryant is being honored in Tokyo. His parents named him after Kobe beef
popular in Japan and then in part because of Bryant's fame throughout the world. Italy where Bryant grew up will mourn him for an entire week.
[11:25:01]
ANDERSON: The president of Italy's basketball federation called it a small gesture but one that is heartfelt and most deserved. Well, the
investigation of the crash could now take weeks. We know the helicopter took off in heavy fog and we learned today that it was clear to operate
under what is known as special visual flight rules conditions in which aircraft normally do not fly. The chopper crashed into a hillside.
The L.A. County sheriff says terrain around the crash site presents what he calls a logistical nightmare for investigators. Well, CNN's Martin Savidge
now takes a deeper look at Kobe Bryant's life, his career and his legacy.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MARTIN SAVIDGE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: For basketball, at six foot six Kobe Bryant wasn't particularly tall. But by every measure as a player and a
person, he was a giant. Kobe Bean Bryant was born August 23rd 1978. The son of former NBA player, Joe Bryant. He started playing basketball when he was
three, but it was his spectacular high school career at lower Merion High School, just outside Philly that earned him national recognition. He was
quickly drafted into the NBA. At the time, the youngest player in the league's history.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No one talking about any shortness are a weakness in his game.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Greatness lies ahead for this young man thought he was going to be absolutely fantastic.
SAVIDGE: The Charlotte Hornets selected Bryant as their 13th pick and immediately traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers.
KOBE BRYANT, AMERICAN BASKETBALL PLAYER: I think a lot of people even when I came out of high school, I think people were kind of -- kind of giving me
the culture to begin with. Because I think unfortunately some people want me to fail because of the (INAUDIBLE) odds.
SAVIDGE: Bryant would not just beat the odds.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Kobe Bryant.
SAVIDGE: With his 20-year career with the Lakers, he would crush them. His amazing talent and fierce competitive nature made him one of sports' most
famous and decorated athletes. He would win five NBA championships, earning him superstar status with a generation of fans. He also won two NBA Finals
MVP awards and a regular season MVP in 2008. The same year he won his first Olympic gold medal as a member of the U.S. team. Here he is talking about
what that Olympic thrill felt like.
BRYANT: I'm feeling excited. I mean, it's a great opportunity. And, you know, I think for us to draw the first game planning as the host team is a
little tough. But we understand the enthusiasm here in the city and, you know, and we're proud and just we really can't wait to get going.
SAVIDGE: Bryant would strike Olympic gold again in 2012. He would also earn 18 NBA All-Star selections. He was Bryant who was at the center of one of
the NBA's most memorable games, January 22 2006, when he scored 81 points with the Lakers defeating Toronto. But there was also controversy. In 2003,
was charged with sexual assault accused of attacking a 19-year-old hotel employee.
The charge would later be dropped the case settled in civil court. Recovering from adversity would become another Kone trademark. Bryant
refused to admit he was hurt even when he was. Famously shooting free throws after rupturing his Achilles tendon. Time would eventually prove to
be his greatest opponent. In the fall of 2015, he announced his plans to retire. The Black Mamba as he called himself played his final game, April
13 2016.
He did not go quietly. He made a jaw-dropping 60 points on 50 shots in a Lakers win against the Utah Jazz that sent the Los Angeles Staple Center
into a frenzy.
BRYANT: The coolest thing is that my kids actually saw me play like I used to play. You know what I mean? It was like, like, whoa, dad. I say, yes, I
used to do this pretty often. They were like really? I was like, due, YouTube it.
SAVIDGE: His answer that would tip his hand and the accomplishment for which perhaps he was most proud. Being the father of four daughters. 17-
year-old Natalia, a 13-year-old Gianna, three-year-old Bianca, and seven- month old Capri. Bryant himself said after retirement, he didn't watch too much basketball. But his daughter Gianna's love of the game, sparked his
interest in coaching.
BRYANT: Coaching the kids is fine, just kind of came out of nowhere because my daughter just decided she wanted to play about 2-1/2 years ago. You
know, so I started coaching a little bit and then she made a local all-star team. We're really We just kind of sit back and let them process things and
figure things out because we are planning for the long game of them being the best basketball players they can be.
[11:30:08]
BRYANT: But it's fun to sit there and watch them hoop.
SAVIDGE: Father and daughter were on their way to one of Gianni's games when tragedy struck. Bryant was not just an award winner on the court.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Five, four, three, two, one.
SAVIDGE: In 2018, he won an Academy Award for a short film Dear Basketball, based on the poem he wrote, when he was retiring from the game.
BRYANT: Love you always, Kobe.
SAVIDGE: Martin Savidge, CNN.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Bryant Kobe grew up in Italy, they plan to mourn his death for a full week. They're all professional basketball teams will honor him with a
moment of silence in every game for seven days. Do read more about Italy's reaction to what is this tragedy at CNN.com.
Well, an explosive report putting new pressure on Republicans in what is this U.S. impeachment trial. What an unpublished book says about Donald
Trump's dealings with Ukraine and how and why it is causing quite a stir in Washington.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Well, it's after 8:30 here in Abu Dhabi. You're watching CONNECT THE WORLD with me Becky Anderson from our Middle East programming hub here
in the UAE. And I want to return to a story which has huge resonance in this region, and of course around the world.
[11:35:02]
ANDERSON: President Trump welcoming Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu moments ago for a closed-door meeting at the White House. Why
will the President is expected to lay out the details of a Middle East peace plan? That has been three years in the making. Mr. Netanyahu says he
hopes to "Make history on the visit." Critics say Mr. Trump is giving a gift to a prime minister seeking to keep his office.
Also on the President's agenda today, a meeting with Netanyahu's rival, Blue and White leader, party leader, Benny Gantz. This will be Gantz's
first meeting with the U.S. president and we will bring you those details just as soon as we have them. Well, within this region, Saudi Arabia,
obviously one of the most important players. CNN's international Diplomatic Editor Nic Robertson just sat down with its new foreign minister, Faisal
bin Farhan for what was an exclusive wide-ranging interview.
Nic joining us now from London. And Nic, let's kick off with what he told you about this much vaunted Middle East peace plan.
NIC ROBERTSON, CNN INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMATIC EDITOR: Yes. He says really for the Saudis, there are several things at stake here. One is a two-state
solution is very important. And he does consider President Trump's recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel of perhaps not the most
conducive thing to getting a peace deal, but he said that the Saudi Arabia supports peace.
But in essence here, you know, the key thing for the Saudis is going to be what is in the detail and even they he said, don't have that yet.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
FAISAL BIN FARHAN AL-SAUD, SAUDI FOREIGN MINISTER: We've always supported all genuine efforts towards pushing for a peace agreement between the
Palestinians and the Israelis. We supported the Arab Peace Initiative of -- that called for a settlement of the issue and we're going to continue to
support all genuine efforts towards a just settlement. It's very important for us, of course, that this issue will be resolved.
But it must be in the context of a -- the Palestinians receiving their rights. And we will support any efforts that work towards that end.
ROBERTSON: And President Trump announcing that Jerusalem should be the capital of Israel moving the embassy there. What impact has that had on the
possibility of getting a positive result from this this deal?
AL-SAUD: I think in the end, it's important. We expressed, of course, our opinion about that little very publicly, that is not helpful. But the
important thing is that we try and find the areas where there is agreement and build on those and work towards a settlement that can accommodate the
rights of the Palestinians and ensure a long lasting peace.
ROBERTSON: What areas would you say they're sort of those areas of commonality, common interest?
AL-SAUD: I think there's a broad agreement that there needs to be a two- state solution on the 1964 borders and that, you know, the jurors -- the issue of Jerusalem needs to be settled in a way that ensures the rights of
all peoples and we are going to work towards pushing that forward.
ROBETSON: The Israeli government has announced recently that Israeli citizens can visit Saudi Arabia for tourism and for business. Is this the
beginning of a new relationship? How significant is it?
AL-SAUD: I don't know if that affects anything because our policy remains the same. We do not have relations with the State of Israel and Israeli
passport holders cannot at this time visit the kingdom.
ROBERTSON: From the Israeli perspective, they're opening a door but on their side, but the door is not open on your side. Is that going to change
anytime soon?
AL-SAUD: We are very supportive of a peaceful resolution to the conflict. And once there is a peace deal between the Palestinians and the Israelis. I
think the integration of Israel into the regional context is very much on the table. And of course, we will pray, you know, in our proposal for the
Arab Peace Treaty that was included in that complete normalization with the State of Israel wants peace is achieved.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Well, Donald Trump calls it the deal of the century to be discussed today. Nic, with the Israeli prime minister who has now arrived
at the White House, we want to listen in to what was said just moments ago.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: -- friend of mine and a great friend of our country, we've had a tremendous, almost three-year
relationship. I've known you for many years before that, but this was three years of primetime and we've done a lot for Israel and the relationship I
think has never been better. We're going to be discussing Mideast peace, we're going to be announcing a plan tomorrow at 12:00.
And that's a plan that Bibi and his opponent, I must say have to like very much and I can say in terms of Bibi, he does and I think in terms of his
opponents, he does too. I'll be waiting with him in a little while. But this is a plan that's very important to peace in the Middle East. No matter
where I went. They say Israel and the Palestinians they have to make peace before you can really have peace in the Middle East. So people have been
working on this for many, many years.
[11:40:00]
TRUMP: And I think we're relatively close but we have to get other people to agree with it also. I will say many of the Arab nations have agreed to
it, they like it, they think it's great. They think it's a big start. I think it's a big start too. I think it's a fantastic thing, if we can pull
it off. They say it's probably the most difficult deal, anywhere and of any kind to make. And the business world, when I was back in the business
world, when the deal was tough, people would jokingly refer to it as this is tougher than Israel and the Palestinians getting together.
And that's what I've heard all my life. And so we'll see what happens. We have something that makes a lot of sense for everybody. And we appreciate
your being here. And Mr. Prime Minister, great to have you here.
NETANYAHU: Thank you.
TRUMP: Thank you very much.
NETANYAHU: Thank you. Mr. President, I just want to say two things. First, that the deal of the century is the opportunity of a century. And we're not
going to pass it by and we'll talk about that tomorrow. Today, I repeat I just want to say thank you for everything you've done for the State of
Israel. You've been the greatest friend that Israel had in the White House. And I think tomorrow, we can continue making history. Thank you, Mr.
President.
TRUMP: I look forward to it. Thank you very much.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Mr. President, did you speak to the Palestinians about your plan to the Palestinian president? Because there are reports --
TRUMP: We will be reporting on that tomorrow. It's something they should want, they probably won't want it initially. But I think in the end, they
will. I think in the end, they're going to want it. It's very good for them. In fact, it's overly good to them. So we'll see what happens. Now
without them, we don't do the deal. And that's OK. They're not living well. As, you know, we cut off aid to Palestinians and something I don't like to
do, but we did that.
And we think that there's a very good chance that they're going to want this. I would say their initial just as great negotiators and they are
great negotiators their initial response, and I have no idea what they're going to say would be, oh, we don't want anything but in the meantime,
they'll be negotiating. So let's see how it works. So Tomorrow at 12:00, we'll be announcing a plan. And it's a very big plan, it will be a
suggestion between Israel and the Palestinians.
It's the closest it's ever come and we'll see what happens. We have the support of the Prime Minister, we have the support of the other parties.
And we think we will ultimately have the support of the Palestinians, but we're going to see, and if we do, it'll be a tremendous tribute to
everybody. And if we don't, life goes on. Thank you very much, everybody. Thank you.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: I mean, that was Donald Trump with Benjamin Netanyahu setting up the scene as it were for as he described the announcement of this, "Deal of
the century" at 12:00 p.m. Washington time tomorrow. I've got Nic Robertson with me, our international diplomatic editor. This has been a much vaunted
plan in the works now as the President now rightly pointed out for about three years.
The work of his son-in-law and special advisor, Jared Kushner. And the Prime Minister -- sorry, the president they're speaking to a really
important point. And he says he hopes to get the support of the Palestinians for this plan. I spoke to Saeb Erekat, one of the lead
negotiators for the Palestinians. He said he hasn't -- well, they haven't spoken to the U.S. in two years. You know, most experts she's speak to,
most people united this region, like the back of their hand will say this is likely to be an outright rejection by the Palestinians. Your thoughts at
this point?
ROBERTSON: Yes. I put some of the quotes that you had got from cyber (INAUDIBLE) that this deal was a hoax or not the deal of the century that
this was going to leave the situation with one state and two systems and analogy and a reference here, if you will, to sort of apartheid. For this
is essentially what Saeb Erekat was saying, you know, the Saudi Foreign Minister wasn't drawn on that and kept going back to the fact that we will
continue to work for peace.
I think there's a certain amount of impatience in the region from Arab states towards the Palestinians. But there's also some red lines. And I
think that's what we heard from the Saudi Foreign Minister that the, you know, that he said 1964, but I believe him at 1967. Borders under the --
under Jerusalem to be a (INAUDIBLE) for all peoples. You know, these are -- these are really tough red lines, and we don't have the details yet from
the President.
And the President sort of putting it forward, then his terms of sort of a take it or leave it? Well, if they don't buy in then sort of so be bit. You
know, I think what we heard from the Saudi Foreign Minister, at least the day is a cautious note on a deal that perhaps they already have a sense of
where this is going and the onus will be on them to persuade the Palestinians and I don't think that an invidious situation for them at the
moment because at the moment as best we know it's been not very unpalatable for the Palestinians.
[11:50:14]
ANDERSON: Many people describing these U.S. dealers as a gift, another gift to the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu who was of course under
pressure at this point ahead of these March elections. Others calling this a lifeline for Bibi Netanyahu, just very briefly, which is it?
ROBERTSON: Look it needs to be something that would be a huge roaring success to be a lifeline that would seem to sort of turn the tide of voters
in Israel who seemed to be evenly split at the moment. Again, we don't have the details. But the narrative that we have so far from Palestinians, from
other Arab states at the moment, is that one that says well, let -- let's move ahead with this quickly.
Let's sign that, let's -- in essence, say that we've got a deal. Israel can look really good on Prime Minister Netanyahu therefore could look very
good. We don't seem to be at that moment.
ANDERSON: Nic's with me. Stick around, Nic. I'm going to take a very, very short break. Back after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: All right. Well, the U.S. President Donald Trump meeting as we speak with the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White
House. Mr. Trump said a few moments ago that he will reveal the details of his much wanted Middle East peace plan on Tuesday at noon in Washington.
Let's just have a listen to what was said before these two chaps and to the White House.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: -- increase the chances you can be called a tester?
TRUMP: Well, I haven't seen a manuscript but I could tell you nothing was ever said to John Bolton. I have not seen a manuscript. I guess he's
writing a book. I have not seen.
(CROSSTALK)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: -- to implement the plan right away in the coming six weeks.
TRUMP: Well, I think he's here for a reason. And hopefully that it will be yes. And peace in the Middle East has been long sought for many, many, many
years and decades and centuries. And this is an opportunity. We'll see what happens, whatever it is, it is, but he's here for a reason.
(CROSSTALK)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What do you give a green light for iconic station of the Jordan --
(CROSSTALK)
TRUMP: We're going to see. We're going to announce tomorrow at 12:00. We're going to show a plan. It's been worked on by everybody. And we'll see
whether or not it catches on and if it does, that'd be great. And if it doesn't, we can live with it too. But I think it might have a chance.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Do you expect Benny Gantz to agree to this plan?
TRUMP: Expect what?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Benny Gantz.
TRUMP: He's coming here today. He'll be here also. There's, you know, they're two good competitors. They're fighting it out. I've been waiting
now this is my third election. We keep waiting and waiting and waiting. So Let's go.
[11:50:01]
TRUMP: What kind of a system is that?
(CROSSTALK)
TRUMP: I see very strange system over there --
(CROSSTALK)
TRUMP: Because we have been, we've been wanting -- we've been talking about this for many months. Do we keep waiting for the election? So that system
has to be looked at.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: But what about the allegations that this is an interference with internal politics in Israel? The fact that --
TRUMP: Well, I think what's happening is one of the reasons that Mr. Gantz is here is for that reason. He's coming to, so I'm going to speak to him
right after this.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What is your message to the residents of Judea and Samaria at this point?
NETANYAHU: May I -- may I something?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes.
NETANYAHU: First of all, I'm very honored to be here with you, Mr. President. And I look forward to making history with you tomorrow. And I
think we'll talk about the plan. I'll talk about the plan of vision of peace, which is historic, the President has put forward tomorrow. Today, I
just want to say two words. Thank you. Thank you for everything you've done for Israel. Everything you've done for Israel.
For recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital, for moving your embassy there, for recognizing our sovereignty in the Golan Heights, for
recognizing our rights in Judea and Samaria, the heartland of our biblical homeland, for the unprecedented security and intelligence cooperation
between our two countries.
I think, Mr. President, the list of your support for Israel, the things you've done for Israel since you've become president, is very long. But the
bottom line is short. You have made our alliance stronger than ever. And I look forward, in the coming years, to make it even stronger with a historic
defense treaty that will anchor our alliance for generations.
One last thing, one last thing, which I think is important. This is International Holocaust Remembrance Day. And on this day, I'm proud to
stand here, as the Prime Minister of the one and only Jewish State, and thank you for confronting the most anti-Semitic regime on the planet. When
you came into office, Iran was on the march. Because of your leadership, Iran is now on the run.
You've withdrawn from the dangerous nuclear -- the nuclear deal. You slapped on tremendous sanctions. You have -- two weeks ago, you've taken
out the most dangerous terrorist on the planet. All those who seek peace, all those who want to fight terrorism should thank you, Mr. President, for
your bold decisions and your bold actions.
And on behalf of the State of Israel, I want to thank you for everything you've done for Israel, for confronting Iran, and for your extraordinary
decisions, your friendship, and your leadership.
That's the end of my speech.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: President Trump, last time, I asked you if you were for a two-state solution. Are you going to say, tomorrow, two-state and a
Palestinian State?
PRESIDENT TRUMP: You're going to see very, very quickly. We're going to release a plan tomorrow at 12:00. You're going to see for yourself. Okay.
We'll see you inside.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: And that was that. U.S. President with the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. A reminder that he will be meeting the
opposition leader Benny Gantz later on today. This is an opportunity, said the U.S. president with regard to this much wanted Middle East peace plan
written by his son-in-law to be released at 12p on Tuesday. What happens we will see what happens.
He says it is what it is. I think though it might have a chance. Those the words of the U.S. President. The Israeli Prime Minister thanking Donald
Trump profusely, it has to be said, for what he has done for Israel. He said it has made our lives stronger than ever. The relationship that that
the U.S. now has with Israel. He also took the opportunity to thank U.S. President for his actions against Iran.
Let me bring in Lauren Fox who is in Washington for us and our international diplomatic editor who's standing by in London at Nic
Robertson. Lauren, to you first. What do you make of what you just heard?
LAUREN FOX, CNN CONGRESSIONAL REPORTER: Well, essentially the President there trying to make this moment about more than impeachment. And of
course, you know that today is the second day for the President's defense team to make their case up here on Capitol Hill in the Senate chamber. And
there's been a lot of news developments over the last 24 hours. This question about what this alleged manuscript says in terms of the
conversation between John Bolton and the President is one that we are asking members up here.
Does this change your view of whether or not you want to hear from witnesses? And so far largely Republicans are saying the facts remain the
same. There's nothing new here, look the other way. But of course, it is all going to depend on four moderate Republicans and whether what they
heard and what they've seen reported in the New York Times about that conversation that allegedly happened between John Bolton and the President
related to that Ukrainian military aid, whether that changes their calculus for whether they want witnesses.
[11:55:02]
FOX: We've been standing outside of Lisa Murkowski's office for the last several hours hoping to ask her but we're hearing from other moderates like
Mitt Romney, like Susan Collins, that the bold news makes them more likely to want to hear from witnesses whether or not they can get from two to four
Republicans across the Iowa, Democrats is another question. But of course, that's where we stand today as the defense team makes their second day of
arguments in just a matter of hours.
ANDERSON: Oh, that is the story on the Hill. You were watching images of what was going on at the White House just as it were yards down the road.
Lauren, thank you for that. Final word from you, Nic.
ROBTERSON: Yes. I think it's very interesting to hear what Prime Minister Netanyahu had to say that Iran thanks to U.S. striker -- killing Qassem
Soleimani. Iran was now on the run. Those were his words. The Saudi Foreign Minister when I spoke to him a few hours ago said it's too soon to say what
Iran is going to do, whether they've taken the lesson that kill -- the killing of Qassem Soleimani means they cannot use their tactics of
increasing violence in the region.
He said so far, the statements that are coming from Iran are not positive. That said he did feel that the United States had acted in its national
security interest and that he did believe in the long run, the region would be safer.
ANDERSON: Nic Robertson in London for you as we wind out what has been two hours of CONNECT THE WORLD with me Becky Anderson from Abu Dhabi in the
UAE. Thank you for watching wherever you are in the world. CNN of course continues right after this short break. Stay with us.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
JAKE TAPPER, CNN ANCHOR: I'm Jake Tapper live in Washington. Alongside, Wolf Blitzer, Chris Cuomo, Dana Bash on Capitol Hill. Welcome to our
viewers in the United States and around the world for CNN's special coverage of the impeachment trial of President Donald J. Trump.
[12:00:06]
WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR: In just one hour, the Senate gavels back into session and will --
END
