US President Donald Trump continues to make unforced errors in the White House — but he remains ever the optimist — not least when it comes to resolving the seemingly intractable conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.
The president said earlier this year he was confident he could be the architect of the “ultimate deal” that brings peace to the region.
Trump intends to dispatch his son in law and senior White House advisor, Jared Kushner to Israel this month in an attempt to foster renewed talks between Israel and the Palestinians.
But can the dealmaker make progress where so many US presidents before him have failed?
Australian journalist John Lyons spent six years reporting from Israel and he’s recounted that experience in a new memoir titled ‘Balcony Over Jerusalem’.
Listen to the interview by Dr Norman Swan with John Lyons on the ABC RN Breakfast program.