President Barack Obama expressed the need for the United States to “follow through” on any mandates it imposes on Israel, he said in an interview with National Public Radio. Even though Obama remained vague, the current administration repeatedly expressed opposition to the expansion of settlements of any kind as the Israeli government attempts to find a compromise position that would permit natural growth of certain outposts. Obama stated:
“Well, I think what is certainly true is that the United States has to follow through on what it says. Now, as I said before, I haven’t said anything yet, because it’s early in the process. But it is important for us to be clear about what we believe will lead to peace and that there’s not equivocation and there’s not a sense that we expect only compromise on one side; it’s going to have to be two-sided, and I don’t think anybody would deny that, in theory. When it comes to the concrete, then the politics of it get difficult, both within the Israeli and the Palestinian communities. But, look, if this was easy, it would’ve already been done.”
Obama further called for a two-state solution under the auspices of a regional peace plan. He contended that a peaceful resolution remains in the best interest of all parties involved, including Israel. During the interview, Obama pledged “honesty” that would not merely attempt to placate Israel, rather work towards a solution to the conflict.
Meanwhile, a growing bipartisan effort from pro-Israel supporters indicates pressure on Obama to ensure strong ties with Israel. The legislators contend that the administration misplaced political pressure on Israel, and should instead focus diplomatic efforts on the Palestinians and aggressive Arab states.
