In a tense atmosphere, Obama and Netanyahu disagree on the Middle East.
The US and Israel have differences regarding the peace process in the region, says the American president.
US President Barack Obama said on Friday (20) that the US and Israel have "differences" regarding the Middle East peace process. The statement was made after a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The day before, in a speech about the Arab world, Obama defended the creation of a future Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders. The Israeli leader criticized the statement. Obama reaffirmed his opinion, and Netanyahu again rejected it. According to Obama, the moment is one of "opportunities" but also of "dangers" in the region.
The Israeli leader stated that he and the American could still "work together" for peace, and the American said that the two countries have "extraordinary ties." Netanyahu reiterated that Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas must choose between Hamas and peace with Israel, referring to the recent agreement reached between the Palestinian factions, which was heavily criticized by Israel.
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Regarding Syria, the American president said that the United States and Israel share a feeling of "deep concern" regarding the current political crisis, with government forces violently suppressing protests against the regime.