DOWNLOAD VIDEO
The re-election of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has raised questions about the future of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.
Shortly before winning a fourth term, Netanyahu declared that he would not support the creation of a Palestinian state -- the so called two-state solution -- reversing remarks he had made in 2009. He then revised this statement Thursday, saying he was still open to the two-state solution.
Critics said the statement was a last-minute move to garner more votes during a close election. Initial exit polls showed him neck and neck with opponent Isaac Herzog, but he pulled forward late in the night as the final ballots were counted.
Netanyahu effectively portrayed himself as the candidate who would ensure security for Israel, said Isaac Rabinovich, former Israeli ambassador.
"Israelis are worried...Mr. Netanyahu did a much better job than Mr. Herzog in portraying himself as the leader who can look after the security of the state," he said.
The Israeli leader's statements were disappointing for Palestinians, said Shibley Telhami, the Anwar Sadat professor of peace and development at the University of Maryland. "I don’t see any possible realistic opening for renewing negotiation on the basis of two-state solution any time soon," he said.
Rabinovich said there could "possibly" be an opportunity for that discussion in the future.
Israel's relationship with the U.S. has been "cool" the last few months, according to NewsHour correspondent Martin Seemungal. President Barack Obama has said that he supports a two-state solution, and the U.S. will continue evaluating how to achieve that solution, a State Department spokesperson said.
Warm up questions
- Who is Benjamin Netanyahu?
- What do you know about the relationship between Israelis and Palestinians?
- What is the two-state solution?
Critical thinking questions
- Why do you think voters responded to Netanyahu's campaign?
- How do you think Netanyahu's statements on the Palestinian state will affect Israel's relationship with other nations, including the U.S.?
- Do you think there will ever be a Palestinian state? Why or why not?
