After calling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the first time in weeks, President Joe Biden revealed on Friday whether he believes a two-state solution is possible while Netanyahu remains in office.
At a press conference on Thursday, Prime Minister Netanyahu rejected a two-state solution after the end of the Israel-Hamas war and openly opposed such a plan to the Biden administration. according to In the Times of Israel. Biden called Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday to discuss continued efforts to secure the release of the hostages, as well as a two-state solution that would guarantee Israel's “security.” (Related: Biden says it would be a 'big mistake' for Israel to occupy Gaza, Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people)
Asked if a two-state solution was impossible during Netanyahu's tenure, Biden said: “No, it's not.”
In a phone conversation with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the two leaders discussed how changes to Israel's offensive would enable humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people in Gaza, according to a readout of the call.
“The president discussed Israel's responsibilities while maintaining military pressure on Hamas and its leaders to reduce harm to civilians and protect innocent people,” the White House said in a readout of the call. said. “The president also discussed his vision for a more lasting peace and security for Israel, fully integrated within the region, and a two-state solution with guaranteed security for Israel.”
U.S. President Joe Biden takes several questions from members of the media before departing on Marine One from the South Lawn of the White House on January 18, 2024 in Washington, DC. The president is scheduled to head to North Carolina to deliver a speech on economic policy. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Getty Images)
The White House disputed speculation that Biden's phone call with Netanyahu was a direct response to the prime minister's Thursday remarks.
“The president still believes in the promise and potential of a two-state solution. He recognizes that it will take a lot of work. We need a lot of leadership, especially in this region, on both sides of the issue. The United States is resolute in ultimately seeing the consequences,” White House National Security Press Secretary John Kirby said at a press briefing on Friday.
The president and his administration have supported Israel since it was attacked by the terrorist organization Hamas on October 7. But in recent weeks, tensions between the two countries appear to be rising as Biden disagrees with some of Israel's actions. (Related: Joe Biden faces another rebellion, this time within his campaign staff)
U.S. and Israeli officials told Axios that the president ended the phone call with Netanyahu on Dec. 23, frustrated with him for backtracking on an earlier resolution to the Palestinian tax dispute. . Biden told donor countries earlier this month that Israel was losing global support due to “indiscriminate bombing.”
“Israel can rely on the United States for its security, but at this point they have more than the United States. They have the European Union. They have Europe. Most of the world supports them,” Biden said. said at a campaign reception.
“They are starting to lose support because of the indiscriminate bombing,” the president continued.
