WASHINGTON — US President Joe Biden says the creation of an independent state for Palestinians is not impossible while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is still in office, and that the two leaders discussed the issue during their phone call earlier today.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting with US mayors, Biden is asked directly whether a two-state solution is impossible with Netanyahu still in office.
“No it’s not,” the president replies.
He is then asked: “Are you going to reconsider conditions on Israel aid given what Bibi [Netanyahu] said on a two-state solution? (The Israeli prime minister reiterated and detailed his opposition to Palestinian sovereignty in a press conference on Thursday.)
Says Biden: “I think we’ll be able to work something out.”
Asked how this could be done, the president intimates that there might be “types” of two-state solutions that Netanyahu may not be opposed to: “There are a number of types of two-state solutions. There’s a number of countries that are members of the UN that are still — don’t have their own militaries. Number of states that have limitations on (inaudible). And so I think there’s ways in which this could work.”
Asked what Netanyahu is open to, Biden says: “I’ll let you know.”
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From the Liveblog of
Saturday, January 20, 2024
