An Orthodox Jew and an in-house lawyer who negotiated real estate deals for Mr. Trump, Mr. Greenblatt has impressed outsiders with his determination to learn the bedeviling history of Middle East peace. One of the biggest cheerleaders for a peace deal is Mr. Lauder, a cosmetics heir who has known Mr. Trump for decades. But Mr. Lauder has an open line to Mr. Greenblatt; the dinner for Mr. Abbas testifies to his social clout. Aides to Mr. Trump said they are well aware of the hurdles to a deal. Advertisement Continue reading the main storyHis hard-line pro-Israel supporters console themselves that Mr. Trump will soon recognize the futility of this undertaking.

Source: New York Times May 06, 2017 01:19 UTC