The White House was not moved by an interview Thursday in which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reversed course on whether he would allow the establishment of a Palestinian state.
“Words matter,” White House press secretary Josh Earnest told reporters, focusing on the Israeli prime minister’s insistence before his re-election that he would not back a two-state solution.
In an interview with NBC News Thursday, Netanyahu walked back his campaign pledge, saying he wants “a sustainable, peaceful two-state solution.”
Critics have accused Netanyahu of taking a hardline approach against a two-state solution only to drum up votes.
Netanyahu enjoyed a comfortable re-election win this week, despite predictions of his political demise.
For his part, Earnest Thursday seemed to focus on Netanyahu’s campaign rhetoric, rather than his remarks since winning re-election.
“For years, Prime Minister Netanyahu and his predecessors have been committed to a two-state solution,” Earnest said. “It does raise questions about his commitment to that solution.”
Earnest also said Thursday that White House aides were working to arrange a phone call for Obama to congratulate Netanyahu, which could come as early as Thursday.
