THE PRESIDENT IN ISRAEL – AT 9:53 A.M. ET:  President Trump is in Israel, and is performing at the same high level he did in Saudi Arabia. 

It was inspiring to see the president visiting the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, one of the holiest sites in Christianity, and the Western Wall, the holiest site in Judaism.  He handled both visits with sensitivity and style.

Mr. Trump will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, in an attempt to advance peace.  He will then fly on to the Vatican, where he will have an audience with Pope Francis.

Henry Kissinger, after speaking with President-elect Trump, said that Trump could become a "considerable" president.  We have not been uncritical of the president here, and he does self-destructive things.  But this trip demonstrates that he may indeed become a "considerable" president.

Most press coverage I've seen has been reasonable.  Some of the CNN types have, of course, gotten in their little digs, but even CNN is showing some restraint.  That may end, of course, when Mr. Trump arrives home to face multiple investigations.  But if his foreign policy has some breakthroughs, and if he can chalk up some legislative victories, he can emerge very well, and the pundits will have egg on their faces.  I'll welcome that day, and pay the cleaning bill.

May 22,  2017