The diplomatic group tasked with facilitating negotiations between Israel and Palestinians has voiced support for President Obama’s vision for Middle East peace.
“The members of the Quartet are in full agreement about the urgent need to resolve the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.” said a statement issued by the UN, EU. US and Russian Federation. “The Quartet agrees that moving forward on the basis of territory and security provides a foundation for Israeli and Palestinians to reach a final resolution to the conflict through serious and substantive negotiations and mutual agreement on all core issues.”
On Thursday Obama said the creation of a Palestinian state should be based on the recognition of the 1967 borders, drawing criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Bejamin Netanyahu and various political pundits.
Netanyahu responded to Obama’s Middle East address by saying the 1967 borders were “indefensible”. Israel’s PM met with President Obama earlier today.
Adherence to the 1967 border could force Israel to roll back existing settlements in occupied Palestinian territories, although in his speech Obama also mentioned “land swaps” as a possible option.
While Obama’s relationship with the Netanyahu government has been marked by public disagreements on key issues the US continues to stand by Israel at the United Nations.
On Thursday, Obama indicated that he would reject a UN resolution on Palestinian statehood or any other measure aimed at pressuring Israel.
In February, the US was the only UN Security Council member to block a resolution condemning Israeli settlement expansion.
Last fall, the US was unsuccessful in its attempts to convince Israel to extend a moratorium on settlement construction in the Occupied Territories and the administration continues to lobby Israeli officials on the matter.
Israel’s decision to the quash the settlement freeze ultimately led the Palestinian leadership to withdraw from peace talks.