JERUSALEM — Vice President Pence optimistically proclaimed the “dawn of a new era” for the Middle East peace process Monday, even as Palestinians and Arab Israelis boycotted his visit to Israel over the U.S. decision to recognize Jerusalem as the Israeli capital.
Pence claimed the decision on Jerusalem was taken by President Trump because he was convinced that it would create an opportunity to move forward “in good faith” with both Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
But it was difficult Monday how it could eventually stir progress.
Palestinian officials snubbed Pence’s visit. President Mahmoud Abbas, meanwhile, met with European foreign ministers in Brussels to press for a so-called “two-state solution” between Israel and Palestinians. Abbas also seeks for Europe to take an expanded role in the peace process.
The Israeli government said it gave Pence a full head-of-state welcome ceremony — complete with military band — at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office in Jerusalem. The vice president looked notably at ease after more awkward meetings in Egypt and Jordan, where he has been defending the U.S. decision on Jerusalem.
[Pence’s hopes to revive Middle East peace face the hard reality of region]
“Mr. Vice President, I’ve had the privilege over the years of standing here with hundreds of world leaders and welcome them, all of them to Israel’s capital, Jerusalem,” Netanyahu said. “This is the first time that I stand here where both leaders can say those three words.”
He described the U.S.-Israel relationship as a “remarkable alliance” which has “never been stronger.”
Pence thanked Netanyahu for his “warm hospitality” and said he looked forward to speaking to him about the “opportunity for peace.”
“I’m here, standing with you, looking forward to speaking about our common interests in security and prosperity in Israel and the United States of America,” he said.
“But I also am here hopeful, hopeful that we are at the dawn of a new era of renewed discussions to achieve a peaceful resolution to the decades-long conflict that has affected this region,” he added.
Trump, he said, “truly believes” that the issue can be resolved.
Hanan Ashrawi, one of the longtime Palestinian negotiators, said that billing Pence’s visit to the region as being in support of the peace process was “ridiculous.”
“The American side cannot talk about the peace process after it undermined it by declaring Jerusalem as the capital of Israel,” Ashrawi told the official Voice of Palestine radio station Monday.
Palestinian factions have called for a strike and demonstrations on Tuesday, and a few dozen demonstrators gathered in Bethlehem on Monday night.
Pence’s visit comes amid speculation that the process of moving the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem — originally not scheduled to happen for several years — may be sped up.
[Jordan’s king warns of “major challenges” from Trump’s move on Jerusalem]
During a trip to India last week, Netanyahu said he was “confident” that the embassy would move within a year. “Can you do it by next year, gentlemen?” a reporter asked after Pence finished speaking, referring to the embassy move. “By next week,” Netanyahu joked, later clarifying. “But we want to do it. Quickly.”
For weeks, the administration has weighed whether to build an entirely new embassy, which could take as long as a decade and be very expensive, or whether to retrofit one of the consulates buildings in Jerusalem, at least temporarily.
Pence is due to speak in Israel’s parliament, known as the Knesset later Monday — an event Arab Israeli lawmakers say they will boycott.
Ayman Odeh, the leader of the Joint List, a collection of Arab-Israeli parties, has said the vice president is dangerous to the region because of his strong ties to U.S. evangelicals and hard-line supporters of Israel.
It is those beliefs that have left Israelis divided on the nature of his visit and his unwavering support for Israel. Pence has visited Israel three times in the past. However, regional Christian leaders have refused to meet him over the Jerusalem controversy.
Former Israeli diplomat Alon Pinkas, writing in Yediot Aharonot, believes Pence’s trip has no clear agenda other than his evangelical Christian bonds with Israel.
“He loves the Jewish people because it has a purpose in history, and he loves Israel because it serves temporarily as the home of the Jewish people before they convert to Christianity after Armageddon,” wrote Pinkas.
“A political agenda? A peace plan? No. Political crises that Pence’s visit is crucial to resolving? Not really. The United States hasn’t intervened in the existing crises — in Syria, Yemen, Turkey-Syria, Qatar-Saudi Arabia, Israeli-Palestinian Authority relations — and has made do with Trump’s impressively self-congratulatory tweets on Twitter,” wrote Pinkas.
In Israel Hayom, the newspaper owned by GOP casino magnate Sheldon Adelson and fiercely supportive of Netanyahyu, commentator Dror Eydar wrote about the important role that evangelicals have come to play in the Trump administration’s policies on Israel and Jerusalem.
He captured the position of Israel’s right wing: that despite the ultimate goal of some Evangelicals to see Jews convert to Christianity to fulfill their prophecy, they are among the few groups around the world that actually support Israel.
“This was also the secret to their tireless push to recognize Jerusalem as our capital and to relocate the U.S. embassy there. From their standpoint, Donald Trump’s election to the presidency was blessed by heaven when he publicly declared that he would move the embassy to Jerusalem in his term,” he wrote.
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From left, Chris Sullivan, Milo Ventimiglia, Mandy Moore and Susan Kelechi Watson of “This Is Us” onstage during the SAG Awards. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
For the third time in two weeks, a group of movie and television stars gathered for an award show Sunday night — and quite a few of the same celebrities won again.
At the SAG Awards, voted on by members of the Screen Actors Guild, “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” was the big winner. The darkly comedic — and controversial — drama won for best cast in a motion picture, while Frances McDormand and Sam Rockwell picked up individual acting prizes. Other repeat winners from the Golden Globes and Critics’ Choice Awards included Allison Janney of “I, Tonya” and Gary Oldman of “Darkest Hour.”
On the TV side, voters were impressed again by HBO’s “Big Little Lies,” as Nicole Kidman and Alexander Skarsgård took home awards. Although in a bit of an upset, Hulu’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” was shut out in favor of NBC’s “This Is Us” for drama series ensemble, while Claire Foy of Netflix’s “The Crown” won for best actress in a drama over Elisabeth Moss.
[Do you fall down a Wikipedia rabbit hole after each episode of ‘The Crown’? You’re not alone.]
And this award season, in the midst of the fallout from Hollywood’s flood of sexual harassment scandals, viewers notice who is not in attendance. Netflix’s “Master of None” star Aziz Ansari, accused of sexually inappropriate behavior by a woman in a story that engulfed the Internet last week, was a no-show. (The actor responded that his encounter with the woman “by all indications was completely consensual.”) Ansari, nominated for best actor in a comedy series, lost to William H. Macy of Showtime’s “Shameless.”
James Franco of “The Disaster Artist” did attend, and lost to Oldman. The Los Angeles Times recently published a story in which five women accused him of sexually exploitative behavior. (Franco has called the accusations “not accurate.”) He skipped the SAG red carpet, though E!’s Giuliana Rancic asked actress Alison Brie — married to Franco’s brother, Dave — about the allegations.
“I think that, above all, what we’ve always said is it remains vital that anyone who feels victimized should and, you know, does have the right to speak out and come forward,” said Brie, nominated for her role on Netflix’s “GLOW.” “I obviously support my family. And not everything that’s been reported reported is fully accurate. So I think we’re waiting to get all of the information. But of course now is a time for listening and that’s what we’re all trying to do.”
In case you missed the two-hour telecast that aired on TNT and TBS, here are eight other things to know — a complete list of winners and nominees is below.
1. Kristen Bell’s monologue.
For the first time ever, the SAG Awards enlisted a host: NBC’s “The Good Place” star Kristen Bell. She only showed up a few times during the ceremony, and kicked things off with a politics bit.
“There has never been a host for this award show before. It’s the first time. First person. First lady … I think my first initiative as first lady will be cyberbullying, because I have yet to see any progress made on that problem quite yet,” Bell said, poking fun at Melania Trump’s initiative. Though Bell followed up with a joke about a “Veep” actor: “I’m looking at you, Tony Hale. You’re a bully! Guys, he is a savage on Twitter.”
Bell ended her monologue on a serious note. “Everyone’s story deserves to be told, especially now,” she said. “We are living in a watershed moment in time. And as we march forward with active momentum and open ears, let’s make sure we are leading the charge with empathy and diligence, because fear and anger never win the race.”
2. Political references.
Seems like this is no longer the dominant trend at award shows — the name “Trump” didn’t come up at all. Although there were a few digs about the current state of affairs.
“Hey, I love your show about living in hell. What’s it called again?” presenter Maya Rudolph asked Bell.
“Thanks!” Bell replied. “It’s called 2018.”
During his acceptance speech, William H. Macy addressed the importance of actors: “Even though our lines and the stories we’re told are given to us by writers, it’s our job under those imaginary circumstances to find the truth. And I think it’s a glorious way to make a living, especially in this day and age when so many people can’t either recognize the truth or don’t think it’s important.”
William H. Macy accepts the male actor in a comedy award for “Shameless.” (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
3. Julia Louis-Dreyfus’s win.
The “Veep” star won again for her starring role on the HBO show, which was also named best comedy ensemble. Louis-Dreyfus just completed chemotherapy after being diagnosed with breast cancer last year, and tweeted that she was watching the show in her pajamas.
Presenter Connie Britton accepted the trophy for her fellow actress. “Julia, we’re thinking of you and we love you,” she said.
4. Sam Rockwell’s speech.
After the Golden Globes, many people criticized actors for wearing Time’s Up pins — which support a legal fund to fight sexual harassment — while not actually talking about the issue. When Rockwell of “Three Billboards” accepted his prize for supporting actor, he alluded to the movement while praising his co-star.
“Frances McDormand, you’re a powerhouse! I’m in awe of you,” he said. “And I stand shoulder to shoulder with you and all of the incredible women in this room for trying to make things better. It’s long overdue.”
Sam Rockwell accepts his award from Laura Linney. (Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Turner Image)
5. Sterling K. Brown makes award show history again.
Brown won best actor in a drama series for his emotional role on “This Is Us,” where he plays a man adjusting to life after he reunites with his biological father. He’s the first black actor to win this SAG category; he also made history in the same category at the Golden Globes.
Sterling K. Brown wins best actor in a drama series. (Christopher Polk/Getty Images for Turner Image)
6. Nicole Kidman’s and Gary Oldman’s speeches.
Neither Kidman nor Oldman had ever won a SAG Award before, and both were visibly moved when they accepted their respective trophies.
“I’ve become very emotional,” said Oldman, who looked like he was in tears. “Thank you SAG-AFTRA for this tremendous honor.”
Gary Oldman accepts the award from Geena Davis. (Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Turner Image)
Kidman, who attended despite battling the flu, was also thrilled. “To receive this at this stage in my life is extraordinary and at this time in the industry when these things are going on,” she said. “How wonderful it is that our careers today can go beyond 40 years old. Twenty years ago, we were pretty washed up by this stage in our lives.”
She also urged Hollywood to keep funding female-centric projects: “We have proven, and these actresses and so many more are proving, that we are potent and powerful and viable. I just beg that the industry stays behind us because our stories are finally being told. It’s only the beginning.”
Nicole Kidman (Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty Images)
7. Morgan Freeman’s lifetime achievement award.
The 80-year-old actor thanked all the important people in his life — including Rita Moreno, his friend since they starred together on “The Electric Company” in 1971. Moreno introduced him; he introduced her when she was awarded the prize five years ago. Like many on social media, she was fixated by the fact that he wore a baseball hat.
“Lift up your hat!” she called to him as he started speaking. “Now we can see you.”
Morgan Freeman accepts the Life Achievement Award from actress Rita Moreno. (Mario Anzuoni/Reuters)
8. References to the cultural reckoning in Hollywood.
Presenters Rosanna Arquette and Marisa Tomei honored people who have spoken out about traumatic experiences and sexual harassment. “We are honored to be a part of this supportive and creative community and we are inspired that so many powerful voices are no longer silenced by the fear of retaliation,” Arquette said. “We can control our own destiny.”
“Rosanna, you are one of those voices. You are one of those silence breakers and we all owe you a debt of gratitude,” Tomei said of Arquette, who told the New Yorker about a disturbing encounter she had with Harvey Weinstein. They listed others who have spoken out: Asia Argento, Annabella Sciorra, Ashley Judd, Daryl Hannah, Mira Sorvino, Olivia Munn and Anthony Rapp.
Marisa Tomei, left, and Rosanna Arquette onstage during the 24th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards. (Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Turner Image)
Later, presenter Brie Larson announced that the Time’s Up initiative and members of SAG are working together on a new code of conduct for the industry “to ensure there is safety on set so that we can continue to be vulnerable, continue to be empathetic, and do the strong and brave performances that we’ve seen brief glimpses of tonight.”
SAG-AFTRA president Gabrielle Carteris also gave a speech. “I am inspired by the women and men across the country who have shared their truths with such courage and such candor. Truth is power. And women are stepping into their power. We are in the midst of a massive cultural shift,” she said. “With brave voices saying ‘me too’ and advocates who know time’s up, we are making a difference … we can and we must create an environment in which discrimination, harassment, and abuse are no longer tolerated.”
TV winners and nominees
Male Actor in a Comedy Series
Anthony Anderson, “Black-ish” (ABC)
Aziz Ansari, “Master of None” (Netflix)
Larry David, “Curb Your Enthusiasm” (HBO)
Sean Hayes, “Will Grace” (NBC)
William H. Macy, “Shameless” (Showtime) — winner
Marc Maron, “GLOW” (Netflix)
Female Actor in a Comedy Series
Uzo Aduba, “Orange Is the New Black” (Netflix)
Alison Brie, “GLOW” (Netflix)
Jane Fonda, “Grace and Frankie” (Netflix)
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, “Veep” (HBO) — winner
Lily Tomlin, “Grace and Frankie” (Netflix)
Ensemble in a Comedy Series
“Black-ish” (ABC)
“Curb Your Enthusiasm” (HBO)
“GLOW” (Netflix)
“Orange is the New Black” (Netflix)
“Veep” (HBO) — winner
Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
Benedict Cumberbatch, “Sherlock” (PBS)
Jeff Daniels, “Godless” (Netflix)
Robert De Niro, “The Wizard of Lies” (HBO)
Geoffrey Rush, “Genius” (National Geographic)
Alexander Skarsgård, “Big Little Lies” (HBO) — winner
Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
Nicole Kidman, “Big Little Lies” (HBO) — winner
Jessica Lange, “Feud: Bette Joan” (FX)
Susan Sarandon, “Feud: Bette Joan” (FX)
Reese Witherspoon, “Big Little Lies” (HBO)
Laura Dern, “Big Little Lies” (FX)
Male Actor in a Drama Series
Jason Bateman, “Ozark” (Netflix)
Sterling K. Brown, “This Is Us” (NBC) — winner
Peter Dinklage, “Game of Thrones” (HBO)
David Harbour, “Stranger Things” (Netflix)
Bob Odenkirk, “Better Call Saul” (AMC)
Female Actor in a Drama Series
Millie Bobby Brown, “Stranger Things” (Netflix)
Claire Foy, “The Crown” (Netflix) — winner
Elisabeth Moss, “The Handmaid’s Tale” (Hulu)
Robin Wright, “House of Cards” (Netflix)
Laura Linney, “Ozark” (Netflix)
Ensemble in a Drama Series
“The Crown” (Netflix)
“Game of Thrones” (HBO)
“The Handmaid’s Tale” (Hulu)
“Stranger Things” (Netflix)
“This Is Us” (NBC) — winner
Stunt Ensemble in a TV Series
“Game of Thrones” (HBO) — winner
“GLOW” (Netflix)
“Homeland” (Showtime)
“Stranger Things” (Netflix)
“The Walking Dead” (AMC)
Movie winner and nominees
Female Actor in a Supporting Role
Mary J. Blige, “Mudbound”
Hong Chau, “Downsizing”
Holly Hunter, “The Big Sick”
Allison Janney, “I, Tonya” — winner
Laurie Metcalf, “Lady Bird”
Male Actor in a Supporting Role
Steve Carell, “Battle of the Sexes”
Willem Dafoe, “The Florida Project”
Woody Harrelson,”Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”
Richard Jenkins, “The Shape of Water”
Sam Rockwell, “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” — winner
Actor in a Leading Role
Timothee Chalamet, “Call Me by Your Name”
James Franco, “The Disaster Artist”
Daniel Kaluuya, “Get Out”
Gary Oldman, “Darkest Hour” — winner
Denzel Washington, “Roman J. Israel, Esq.”
Actress in a Leading Role
Judi Dench, “Victoria Abdul”
Sally Hawkins, “The Shape of Water”
Frances McDormand, “Three Billboards Outside of Ebbing, Missouri” — winner
Margot Robbie, “I, Tonya”
Saoirse Ronan, “Lady Bird”
Cast in a Theatrical Motion Picture
“The Big Sick”
“Get Out”
“Lady Bird”
“Mudbound”
“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” — winner
Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture
“Baby Driver”
“Dunkirk”
“Logan”
“Wonder Woman” — winner
“War for the Planet of the Apes”
