WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — US President Barack Obama congratulated Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on his re-election victory, and reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to reaching a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the White House announced in a statement on Thursday.
“President Obama spoke today by telephone with Prime Minister Netanyahu to congratulate the Prime Minister on his party’s success in winning a plurality of Knesset seats,” the White House Statement read. “The President reaffirmed the United States’ long-standing commitment to a two-state solution that results in a secure Israel alongside a sovereign and viable Palestine.”
President Obama talked with Netanyahu about the importance of the United States maintaining a close military, intelligence and security cooperation with Israel, while working together in securing a “difficult path forward” to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
On Tuesday, Israel held general elections that resulted in a victory for the right-wing Likud party led by Netanyahu.
Netanyahu said he will form a new government within two to three weeks, but must put together a coalition of 61 lawmakers to have a majority in the 120-seat Knesset.
Meanwhile, the United States along with negotiators from France, Russia, the United Kingdom, China, and Germany have been trying to reach a long-term nuclear deal with Iran since November 2013.
By March 24, the P5+1 international mediators are expected to reach a political framework agreement, while by July, 2015 a final agreement.
