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Israel PM Netanyahu softens stance on Palestinian state | |
(35 minutes later) | |
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has watered down a pre-election vow not to allow the establishment of a Palestinian state. | Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has watered down a pre-election vow not to allow the establishment of a Palestinian state. |
In a US TV interview, Mr Netanyahu said he wanted a two-state solution, but said "circumstances have to change". | In a US TV interview, Mr Netanyahu said he wanted a two-state solution, but said "circumstances have to change". |
The interview with MSNBC was his first since winning a clear election victory earlier this week. | The interview with MSNBC was his first since winning a clear election victory earlier this week. |
As the campaign ended Mr Netanyahu had appealed to supporters by saying he would not allow a Palestinian state. | As the campaign ended Mr Netanyahu had appealed to supporters by saying he would not allow a Palestinian state. |
But that view was tempered in Thursday's interview, in which he also denied accusations that another last-minute campaign pronouncement amounted to racism. | But that view was tempered in Thursday's interview, in which he also denied accusations that another last-minute campaign pronouncement amounted to racism. |
"I don't want a a one-state solution. I want a sustainable, peaceful two-state solution, but for that circumstances have to change," Mr Netanyahu told MSNBC. | "I don't want a a one-state solution. I want a sustainable, peaceful two-state solution, but for that circumstances have to change," Mr Netanyahu told MSNBC. |
"I never changed my speech in Bar Ilan University six years ago calling for a demilitarised Palestinian state that recognises the Jewish state. What has changed is the reality," he said. | "I never changed my speech in Bar Ilan University six years ago calling for a demilitarised Palestinian state that recognises the Jewish state. What has changed is the reality," he said. |
'Islamist forces' | |
He cited as a sticking point Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas' refusal to recognise Israel as a Jewish state. | He cited as a sticking point Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas' refusal to recognise Israel as a Jewish state. |
He also repeated a frequent criticism of Mr Abbas' decision to enter a unity government with militant Islamist group Hamas, which is sworn to Israel's destruction. | |
And he criticised the idea that Israel might hand over territory to the Palestinians at the current time. | And he criticised the idea that Israel might hand over territory to the Palestinians at the current time. |
"Every territory that is vacated in the Middle East is taken up by Islamist forces," Mr Netanyahu said. | "Every territory that is vacated in the Middle East is taken up by Islamist forces," Mr Netanyahu said. |
His original comments were made on Monday, one day before Israel's election, when he was asked by an interviewer: "If you are prime minister, a Palestinian state will not be established?" | His original comments were made on Monday, one day before Israel's election, when he was asked by an interviewer: "If you are prime minister, a Palestinian state will not be established?" |
Mr Netanyahu answered "indeed". | |
Analysts viewed the remark as an attempt to shore up support among right-wing voters as polls showed his Likud party just behind the centre-left opposition alliance, the Zionist Union. | Analysts viewed the remark as an attempt to shore up support among right-wing voters as polls showed his Likud party just behind the centre-left opposition alliance, the Zionist Union. |
The Zionist Union had promised to repair ties with the Palestinians and the international community. | The Zionist Union had promised to repair ties with the Palestinians and the international community. |
Mr Netanyahu's remark prompted the US, EU and UN to urge a continuation of efforts to secure a two-state solution in the Middle East. | |
White House spokesman Josh Earnest such an approach had been US policy for more than 20 years. | |
Racism denial | |
Mr Netanyahu also used his MSNBC interview to insist that a separate campaign comment, made on election day itself, was not racist. | |
On Tuesday Mr Netanyahu posted a video message on his Facebook page, in which said: "Right-wing rule is in danger. Arab voters are going to the polls in droves. Left-wing organisations are bringing them in buses." | |
That video was criticised as "dog-whistle" racism, an accusation he countered in his interview. | |
"An Arab vote is, I think, it's very, very important... I'm very proud to be the prime minister of all of Israel's citizens, Arabs and Jews alike," he said. | |
The White House called the video a "cynical Election Day tactic" and a "pretty transparent effort to marginalise Arab Israeli citizens". | |
"I can tell you that these are views the administration intends to communicate directly to the Israelis," Mr Earnest said on Thursday. | |
US President Barack Obama has not yet called to congratulate Mr Netanyahu on his election victory. | |
Mr Earnest said both leaders' staff were working to schedule the call, which could come as early as Thursday. |