Frankfurter Rundschau on Trump's Middle East peace plan

The German daily Frankfurter Rundschau comments on U.S. President Donald Trump's Middle East peace plan, presented in Washington with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.  

In an editorial on Wednesday, the paper writes, in part:

"Trump and Netanyahu present themselves as saviours. They try to give their plan historical significance.

"However, its completely mundane purpose is totally obvious. The 'peace plan' is intended to help two statesmen who are facing strong headwinds to remain in office.

"The timing of its publication has little to do with the situation between the Mediterranean and the Dead Sea. Instead, the publication date was chosen with Trump's and Netanyahu's needs in mind.

"The Israeli prime minister is not only concerned about his re-election in the general election in March - the third within a year.

"Netanyahu also fears for his freedom: he is accused of fraud, embezzlement and corruption. He faces imprisonment.

"Trump, who is very popular in Israel, is once again doing his friend 'Bibi' a favour with the alleged 'Deal of the Century' in the hope of ensuring Netanyahu's re-election."    (dpa)