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Jared Kushner: A pivotal moment in the Middle East

Editor's Note: (Jared Kushner is a senior adviser to President Donald Trump. The opinions expressed in this commentary are his own. View more opinion at CNN.)

(CNN) After joining the administration, one of the first assignments I was given by President Trump was to develop a plan to resolve the decades-old Israel-Palestinian conflict. I am pleased to say that, after three years of work, we have made a breakthrough. Our vision for peace is by far the most comprehensive and realistic plan that has ever been released. Through this plan, we have established a clear path to a final peace agreement that meets the core requirements of both the Israeli and Palestinian people.

Jared Kushner

The foundation for our vision is a two-state solution and mutual recognition. It calls for the creation of an internationally recognized state of Palestine that is connected, independent and comparable in size to the entire West Bank and Gaza today. To reach this historic milestone, the Palestinians must meet certain conditions, including agreeing to recognize Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people, permanently settling the question of Israel's national identity. Under our vision, no Israelis or Palestinians will be uprooted from their homes or denied their civil rights.

The plan addresses the status of Jerusalem, taking into account the historic connection of Jews and Muslims to that city. The ancient Jewish capital in Jerusalem will remain united under Israel. The future state of Palestine will have a capital, including parts of East Jerusalem east of the security barrier. If Israel and the Palestinians reach a final agreement, President Trump will be proud to stand with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas when we fly the American flag over the US Embassy to the state of Palestine for the first time.

Our vision maintains the status quo at the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif in Jerusalem, preserving the special and historic role of the King of Jordan, while dramatically improving access. I am proud to say that if a final agreement is reached, Israel has agreed that all Muslims will be welcome to peacefully worship at al Aqsa Mosque. For the first time, the holy city will be open to the 1.5 billion Muslims from the state of Palestine and around the world.

The vision supports a just settlement for Palestinian refugees without jeopardizing the national character of Israel. If implemented, the plan will ensure Palestinian refugees have the choice to return to the state of Palestine, integrate in the countries where they currently reside, or resettle in a third country other than Israel. It will also establish a generous trust to support and compensate refugees, finally empowering them to build their lives in a land where they enjoy the same rights and privileges as their fellow citizens.

Past experience has shown us that no peace agreement can be successful unless it fully meets Israel's security requirements. Our plan does not ask Israel to take additional security risks. Rather, we have outlined a mechanism that will allow Israel to reduce its security footprint in the West Bank over time while maintaining overriding security responsibility. This process will be based on a single guiding principle: the more Palestinians do, the less Israel will have to do.

Our plan economically empowers the Palestinians, while helping fully integrate Israel into the region. It includes a historic $50 billion economic package for the Palestinians and other measures designed to ensure Palestinian businesses can compete freely and fairly in the global economy. It will also serve as a platform for the United States to continue working to advance normalization between Israel and Arab states, unlocking massive economic benefits and helping ensure stability across the region.

Most critically, these are not just ideas on paper with no basis for implementation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Benjamin Gantz, the two top Israeli political leaders, have both shown immense courage by publicly coming forward to support our vision. This means for the first time, the leaders of Israel have not only endorsed the creation of a future Palestinian state, but a map and a process. History will note this breakthrough was only possible because of the President's uncompromising support for Israel and its security.

This is a pivotal moment. We can choose to work together now to build on this unprecedented opportunity or return to the same old talking points and positions that lead us to where we are today. Palestinians may have issues with aspects of this plan. But to address them, they should identify the areas they would like to improve and agree to negotiate with Israel. Failure to do so would be to miss an opportunity which may never come again.

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