Trump 'shouted, ranted at Mahmoud Abbas' in tense meeting

US President Donald Trump reportedly yelled at Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas during their meeting in Bethlehem last week, accusing him of deception over the Palestinian Authority's involvement in anti-Israeli incitement, Israeli media reported.

An angry Trump reportedly shouted at Abbas during a closed-door meeting last Tuesday over "direct involvement" in incitement against Israel, Israeli Channel 2 reported citing a US official who was present in the meeting.

"You tricked me in DC! You talked there about your commitment to peace, but the Israelis showed me your involvement in incitement [against Israel]," Trump is said to have shouted at Abbas, according to the TV report.

The outburst was followed by a few minutes of silence from the Palestinians, the report added. The meeting was allegedly very tense.

The Palestinians have denied the reports. 

Trump had met with Abbas in the PA-controlled city of Bethlehem last week during his two-day visit to Israel. 

The two held a joint press conference after their meeting, during which Abbas reiterated calls for a two-state solution to the conflict.

"We are ready to open dialogue with our Israeli neighbours to build confidence and create a real opportunity for peace," Abbas said. 

The Palestinians' "fundamental problem is with occupation and settlements and the failure of Israel to recognise the state of Palestine," he said.

Speaking alongside the Palestinian president, Trump praised Abbas’ commitment to peace, saying the PA is "committed to taking firm but necessary steps to fight terrorism and confront its hateful ideology".

"I am committed to trying to achieve a peace agreement between the Israelis and the Palestinians, and I intend to do everything I can to help them achieve that goal," Trump added.

Trump initially sparked deep concern among Palestinians when he backed away from the long-established US commitment to a two-state solution to the conflict.

Meeting Netanyahu in Washington in February, he said he would support a single state if it led to peace, delighting Israeli right-wingers who want to see most of the West Bank annexed.

During his election campaign, Trump also advocated breaking with decades of precedent and moving the American embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, alarming Palestinians.

He has since said the move is still being looked at.