“The President welcomes the important step forward in Prime Minister Netanyahu’s speech.  The President is committed to two states, a Jewish state of Israel and an independent Palestine, in the historic homeland of both peoples.  He believes this solution can and must ensure both Israel’s security and the fulfillment of the Palestinians’ legitimate aspirations for a viable state, and he welcomes Prime Minister Netanyahu’s endorsement of that goal.  The President will continue working with all parties – Israel, the Palestinian Authority, Arab states, and our Quartet partners – to see that they fulfill their obligations and responsibilities necessary to achieve a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and a comprehensive regional peace.”

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