Biden emphasizes that Palestinian state is still a viable option

US President Joe Biden stated on Friday that there is still a possibility for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to some sort of Palestinian state, following their first conversation in almost a month.

This comes amidst tensions over the Gaza war, with Netanyahu expressing his opposition to Palestinian sovereignty. However, Biden remains optimistic that Netanyahu may eventually consider a two-state solution, which has been proposed for many years as a means to resolve conflicts in the Middle East.

Biden mentioned that there are various types of two-state solutions and cited examples of UN member countries without their own militaries. When asked about Netanyahu’s stance, Biden simply replied, “I’ll let you know.”

The relationship between Biden and Netanyahu, spanning four decades, has been complex, and their lack of communication in recent weeks has raised questions about a potential rift. Netanyahu has emphasized his commitment to dismantling Hamas and demilitarizing Gaza, making him increasingly resistant to US pressure for a plan that includes Palestinian statehood. He has made it clear that Israel must maintain security control over all the territory west of the Jordan River, which contradicts the concept of Palestinian sovereignty.

The White House previously stated that President Biden discussed the issue with Prime Minister Netanyahu during their conversation, but clarified that the call was not a direct response to the Israeli leader’s comments. According to John Kirby, the spokesperson for the US National Security Council, President Biden still believes in the promise and possibility of a two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians.

The call also addressed the situation of US hostages who are still being held captive by Hamas since the October 7 attack on Israel. Despite past disagreements, President Biden has shown unwavering support for Israel since the attacks, even visiting the country and publicly expressing his support for Prime Minister Netanyahu. However, tensions have escalated due to the increasing casualties in Gaza as a result of the Israeli offensive.

President Biden has warned against indiscriminate bombing and has advocated for a two-state solution. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also emphasized the importance of a pathway to a Palestinian state for genuine security for Israel.

The October 7 attacks led to the deaths of approximately 1,140 people in Israel, mostly civilians, and the seizure of around 250 hostages, with 132 still remaining in Gaza according to Israel. The ongoing Israeli offensive has resulted in the deaths of at least 24,762 Palestinians, with a majority being women, young children, and adolescents, according to Gaza’s health ministry.