US President Barack Obama said Tuesday he has a "difficult time" envisioning a framework for a two-state solution under the leadership of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, explaining his position is not about creating a Palestinian state "overnight" but about offering hope for a solution in the next few years.
Obama rejected Netanyahu's backtracking on comments against a two-state solution, after the prime minister said he is not opposed to the plan, but "circumstances would have to change" to accomplish that.
"I don’t think anybody ever envisioned … that overnight you suddenly have a Palestinian state right next to Jerusalem and that Israel would not have a whole range of security conditions," the president said. Instead the question is: "Do you create a process and a framework that gives the Palestinians hope and possibility that down the road they may have a secure state of their own?"
Obama went on to say the US will always support Israel, and their military cooperation remains strong and "unabated." He will, however, have to reevaluate how to move forward with resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict when Netanyahu's comments may have created a "downward spiral" in relations.
“What has changed is the reality," Netanyahu said in his first interview after the election. "I don’t want a one-state solution; I want a sustainable, peaceful two-state solution, but for that, circumstances have to change. I was talking about what is achievable and what is not achievable. To make it achievable, then you have to have real negotiations with people who are committed to peace.”
Obama said the conflict remains an issue to protest Israel as well as Gaza residents, whose frustrations may elicit retaliations against the country.
The Wall Street Journal reported the White House chief of staff also warned Netanyahu of consequences against his comments. Denis McDonough told the prime minister “a one-state solution would effectively end Israel’s nature as a Jewish and democratic state.”
“Israel cannot maintain military control of another people indefinitely,” Mr. McDonough said in a speech to a liberal pro-Israel group.
None of it's personal, Obama said, addressing media reports of a rift between the two leaders and clarifying that his relationship with Netanyahu remains strictly professional.
"I have a very business-like relationship with Prime Minister Netanyahu," he said. "I’ve met with him more than any other world leader. ... The issue is not a matter of relations between leaders. The issue is a very clear substantive challenge."
By Hayat Norimine
