Ban Ki-moon Urges Netanyahu to Commit to Palestinian Statehood

Ban Ki-moon, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, on March 20, during a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urged him to revive Israel's commitment to a two-state solution, meaning the establishment of a Palestinian state. This request comes after Netanyahu stated just hours before the latest Israeli parliamentary elections that as long as he leads the government, he will not allow a Palestinian state to be formed. Ultimately, his party, Likud, managed to secure 30 seats (24% of the votes) and won the elections. Following this right-wing party, the Zionist Union (center-left) led by Isaac Herzog secured 24 seats. A statement from the United Nations indicates that Ban Ki-moon reminded the Israeli Prime Minister that the only way forward is through a two-state solution. One day prior to the UN Secretary-General's call with the Likud leader, Farhan Haq, a spokesperson for the organization, told reporters that the negotiation and peace process, as well as ending settlements in Judea and Samaria, is 'the best and only way forward for Israel to remain a democratic country.' Farhan Haq stated, 'The new Israeli cabinet is obligated to create the necessary conditions to begin negotiations for a final peace agreement, with the participation of the international community, to end the occupation and establish a viable Palestinian state.' One day before these comments, the White House reacted to Netanyahu's statements and emphasized the establishment of a Palestinian state. Josh Earnest, the White House spokesperson, stated on March 18 that President Barack Obama still believes that the best solution to the Israel-Palestine crisis is for Palestinians to have an independent state.