The White House says President Donald Trump told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that peace with the Palestinians “can only be negotiated directly between the two parties” and that the U.S. will work closely with Israel on that goal.
Trump and Netanyahu spoke by phone Sunday, their first conversation since Trump’s inauguration. The White House says Trump invited Netanyahu for a visit to Washington in early February.
According to the White House, the two leaders agreed to consult on a range of regional issues, including “the threats posed by Iran.” The White House says the president also affirmed his “unprecedented commitment to Israel’s security” and his administration’s focus on countering terrorism.
Netanyahu had a frosty relationship with Trump’s predecessor, former President Barack Obama, and has so far spoken favorably about the new U.S. leader.
