Biden: The two-state solution is still possible with Netanyahu in power

Democrats
Express horror On those comments. But Biden said he believes Netanyahu does not oppose all two-state solutions.

Biden's statements came after he spoke with Netanyahu by phone for the first time in nearly a month about the ongoing war in Gaza and the possibility of establishing a Palestinian state after the war. The president nodded when asked if Netanyahu's refusal to create an independent Palestinian state was included in the call.

The White House confirmed that the timing of the call was coincidental.

“The president still believes in the promise and possibility of a two-state solution. He realizes it will take a lot of hard work. “It's going to take a lot of leadership there in the region, especially on both sides of the issue, and the United States is deeply committed to seeing that outcome eventually,” National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said at a White House news conference.

He added: “Obviously, we are actively talking to them about post-conflict Gaza, what governance should look like there, and the importance of an independent Palestinian state for long-term security, not only for the Palestinian people, but for the Israeli people as well.” “.

The Biden administration has pushed hard for a two-state solution in the region, but Netanyahu's recent statements have cast serious doubt on the feasibility of this vision. It has put the two leaders on a collision course over the scope of Israel's war and the future of Gaza, further complicating Biden's efforts to manage a sensitive foreign policy crisis.

Democratic lawmakers, led by Chris Van Hollen, are pushing to amend the president's multibillion-dollar national security supplemental budget. The amendment, which now includes 18 countries, seeks to ensure that countries receiving US military aid – including Israel – use weapons in accordance with US law, international humanitarian law and the laws of armed conflict.

In November, Biden said conditional aid would be a “worthwhile idea,” but the administration quietly ruled that out days after the president's comments. When asked whether the president's position on conditioning aid had changed amid recent developments, Kirby told reporters that the administration's approach had “achieved results.”

He added: “We will continue this approach, which is clearly ensuring that Israel has the capabilities that it needs and that continues, but also urging them at every turn, to be more precise, more targeted, more deliberate in terms of harm to civilians.” “We are urging increased humanitarian aid assistance, and of course we are trying to put in place another humanitarian law so we can conclude a hostage deal,” Kirby said, adding that at the request of the United States, Israel had moved to less intense operations and increased its operations. The flow of humanitarian aid.

Kirby also said Biden and Netanyahu also discussed ongoing efforts to secure the release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas, as well as operations to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza “while maintaining significant military pressure on Hamas and its leaders.”