Netanyahu backtracks on campaign vow: 'I don't want a one-state solution'

In his first interview with U.S. media since winning re-election, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday walked back his campaign promise that there would never be a Palestinian state on his watch.

"I don't want a one-state solution," Netanyahu said in an interview with MSNBC. "I want a sustainable, peaceful two-state solution."

Trailing in the polls just ahead of this week's election, Netanyahu took a hard right turn, warning about Arab voter turnout and saying he would never allow for the establishment of a Palestinian nation. —Jon Terbush

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Sign up