Addressing the Israeli people through a local TV station, Obama made an impassioned case for the need for the Palestinian people to be granted their own state. He argued that the current standoff was destroying the core democratic ideals of Israel.
The interview was conducted on Israeli Channel 2.
Obama acknowledged that current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is “predisposed to think of security first”, and that the chances of him backing a Palestinian state were slim. Obama argued, however, that the lack of a Palestinian state was, in fact, very dangerous for Israel.
The President hinted that it was growing increasing difficult to defend Israel on the world stage, and specifically at the United Nations, due to the country’s views and relations with the Palestinians.
Obama has had strained relations with Netanyahu, who is strongly opposed to any potential nuclear deal with Iran. Obama has also argued for the creation of a Palestinian state since his early days in office, a move Netanyahu has generally been opposed to.
Obama also recently hinted at the possibility of allowing a United Nations vote to determine if Palestine should be granted statehood.
Obama also defended his efforts to secure a nuclear deal with Iran, something many Israelis have been opposed too.
There are fears that Iran could use increased revenues following the lifting of sanctions to fund its proxies, such as Hamas, across the Middle East. President Obama brushed these fears aside, noting Iran’s dire economic situation.
