Middle East peace may not be two-state solution says White House

The Trump administration said on Tuesday that peace between the Israelis and Palestinians may not come in the form of a two-state solution - a dramatic shift from former president Barack Obama, who said he saw no alternative.

کد خبر: ۶۶۷۶۴۱

تاریخ: ۲۷ بهمن ۱۳۹۵ - ۰۹:۴۳

Telegraph - The Trump administration said on Tuesday that peace between the Israelis and Palestinians may not come in the form of a two-state solution - a dramatic shift from former president Barack Obama, who said he saw no alternative.

Speaking to reporters ahead of Donald Trump's meeting on Wednesday with his Israeli counterpart, a senior White House official said the US president is eager to begin facilitating a peace deal between the two side and hoping to bring them together soon.

But the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity in order to preview the visit, said it will be up to the Israelis and Palestinians to determine what peace will entail.

The official said peace is the goal, regardless of whether it comes in the form of a two-state solution. He says the administration will work as a facilitator, but is not going to dictate what the terms of peace are going to be.

During his final White House news conference, Mr Obama warned that the moment for a two-state solution "may be passing" and said the "status quo is unsustainable."

Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, is scheduled to meet with Mr Trump at the White House on Wednesday, after which he'll head to Capitol Hill for meetings with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, including Mitch McConnell, the senate majority leader, Paul Ryan, the house speaker, and Chuck Schumer, the senate minority leader.

Mr Trump takes pride in his deal-making skills and said during his campaign that he'd love the challenge of negotiating a Middle East agreement. At one point Mr Trump pointed to his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, as the best man for the job.

The official said that Mr Trump and Mr Netanyahu are likely to discuss peace as well as expanded Israeli settlements, Iran and Mr Trump's campaign pledge to move the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.