Blowing smoke: Netanyahu vows commitment to two-state solution

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© AP Photo/ Dan Balilty

    
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised his commitment to two-state solution of the crisis in Israeli-Palestinian relations on Wednesday for the first time since his reelection.

Before the March election in Israel, Netanyahu had said he would oppose the creation of a Palestinian state if reelected.

"I want to reiterate my commitment to peace...My position hasn't changed. I don't support a one-state solution. I don't believe this is a solution at all. I support the vision of two states for two peoples - a demilitarized Palestinian state that recognizes the Jewish state," Netanyahu told EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini, as quoted by the newspaper.

The Israeli leader also stated that the country had taken several steps in recent months to ease the situation for the Palestinian people, and is prepared to go further.


Palestinians have been seeking to create an independent state on the territories of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, since they were occupied by Israel in 1967. Israel has been building settlements on the occupied lands, disregarding international condemnation.
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