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Joe Biden: The US President spoke on the phone with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu - they apparently had different opinions on some issues

Photo: Ting Shen / EPA

According to the White House, US President Joe Biden spoke on the phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and explained to him his vision of a two-state solution.

In Friday's conversation, Biden discussed his vision of Israel's lasting peace and security in the region, said National Security Council Communications Director John Kirby.

Although Netanyahu has expressed his concerns, Biden still firmly believes that a two-state solution is the right path.

"We're not going to agree on everything," Kirby said.

Good friends and allies could have these types of open and candid discussions.

»Different types of two-state solutions«

Netanyahu rejected a Palestinian state after the end of the Israel-Gaza war in open contradiction to the USA on Thursday.

With a view to a two-state solution at the urging of the US, Netanyahu said he must be able to say "no" when necessary, even to best friends.

Kirby now said this will not change Biden's view that the best long-term solution for regional security, particularly the security of the Israeli people, is a free and independent Palestinian state.

The USA would continue to promote it.

Biden was optimistic, at least publicly.

When asked by a reporter at an event in Washington on Friday afternoon (local time) whether a two-state solution would be impossible as long as Netanyahu was in office, Biden replied, according to the press present: "No, it is not." He thinks that it is possible will be to find a solution.

There are “different types of two-state solutions.”

According to information from Washington, the phone call - according to observers the first in almost four weeks - also covered other topics, such as the transition of the Israeli offensive towards more targeted military operations.

Biden also addressed Israel's responsibility to reduce the damage to the civilian population.

During the conversation, the US President also welcomed the Israeli government's decision to allow aid deliveries via the port of Ashdod, it said.

Teams from both countries worked separately on options for a more direct delivery of aid by sea to the Gaza Strip.

hen/dpa