Netanyahu Expected to Endorse Palestinian State

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to endorse a two-state solution to the Palestinian problem this weekend, the Times of London reports. The decision follows intense pressure from the Obama administration to recognize the need for a Palestinian state. The US also wants Israel to stop expanding settlements in the West Bank, but Netanyahu may use the two-state concession as a bargaining chip in that negotiation.

In addition to discussing a Palestinian state—and likely not discussing a freeze on settlements—insiders think Netanyahu, in a Sunday speech, will reiterate his call for Palestinians to recognize Israel as the Jewish homeland ahead of any negotiations. Though pressure from the Obama administration is constant, Netanyahu’s own coalition  strongly opposes a Palestinian state and curtailing settlement. (More President Obama stories.)