Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu said he is immediately ready to begin talks for a two-state solution - but claimed his Palestinian counterpart, Mahmoud Abbas, is not.
Netanyahu made the comments at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) conference via satellite from Jerusalem on Tuesday.
AIPAC is a pro-Israel lobbying group in Washington, DC where the event is taking place.
"I am willing to begin negotiations immediately, without preconditions. Anytime, anywhere," Netanyahu said.
The Reuters news agency quoted him as saying his Palestinian counterpart Abbas did not back the idea. |
Netanyahu also said he hoped the US would continue to reject any move towards a UN Security Council resolution backing Palestinian statehood.
"A Security Council resolution to pressure Israel would further harden Palestinian positions, and thereby could actually kill the chances of peace for many, many years. And that is why I hope the US will maintain its long-standing position to reject such a UN resolution.
"Peace won't come through UN resolutions but through direct negotiations between the parties. The best formula for achieving peace remains two states for two peoples, in which a demilitarised Palestinian state finally recognises the Jewish state," the Israeli prime minister said.
Netanyahu came under attack by the US Democrat party candidate Bernie Sanders who said the United States should have unwavering support for Israel, but any Middle East peace solution must recognise civil rights of the Palestinian people.
In a foreign policy address in Salt Lake City during a western campaign trip, the Vermont senator criticised Netanyahu's administration for the construction of Jewish settlements in the West Bank, and withholding tax revenues from the Palestinians.
"Peace won't come through UN resolutions but through direct negotiations between the parties. The best formula for achieving peace remains two states for two peoples, in which a demilitarised Palestinian state finally recognises the Jewish state," the Israeli prime minister said.
Netanyahu came under attack by the US Democrat party candidate Bernie Sanders who said the United States should have unwavering support for Israel, but any Middle East peace solution must recognise civil rights of the Palestinian people.
In a foreign policy address in Salt Lake City during a western campaign trip, the Vermont senator criticised Netanyahu's administration for the construction of Jewish settlements in the West Bank, and withholding tax revenues from the Palestinians.
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