Israel appreciates U.S. President Barack Obama's commitment to Israel's security and to the pursuit of peace, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Bureau said in a statement on Monday.
"The Government of Israel is committed to both of these goals and will formulate its policies in the near future so as to work closely with the United States towards achieving these common objectives," the statement said.
Earlier Monday, Obama sent a clear message to Israel's new rightist government, stressing the commitment to previous understandings, including the peace process launched at Annapolis in 2007, in promoting a peace agreement between Israel and its neighbors.
"In the Middle East, we share the goal of a lasting peace between Israel and its neighbors," Obama said during a special address to the Turkish parliament. "Let me be clear: the United States strongly supports the goal of two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security."
Obama also urged Ankara to continue its active role in seeking a lasting peace settlement for Israel and the Palestinians.
"We must not give into pessimism and mistrust," Obama told Turkish lawmakers. "We must pursue every opportunity for progress."
Israel's 32nd government led by Likud Chairman Netanyahu was officially sworn in on Tuesday night.
The new coalition is comprised mostly by right-wing parties, which have been showing strong stance on core issues of Israel-Palestinian peace talks. Netanyahu himself is largely considered to be a possible impairment to the future negotiations aimed at facilitating a two-state solution.
During the swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday night, Netanyahu reiterated his recent pledges that his government would be committed to pursuing peace not only with the Palestinians but with the whole Arab world.
On Sunday, Netanyahu declared that his government would finalize the policy of advancing peace and security in the next few weeks.
However, skepticism remains in the international community as to the prospects of peace talks during Netanyahu's tenure of office.
Middle East envoy Tony Blair said Monday that the hawkish Israeli leader has pointedly not endorsed the creation of a Palestinian state, though he understands that the only formula for peace is a Palestinian state next to Israel.
"There is a great deal of skepticism out there," Blair told reporters after talks with Netanyahu.
He said providing Palestinians with greater freedom of movement was central to creating the foundations for statehood.
Blair also urged Netanyahu to ease Israel's blockade of the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip.
Source:Xinhua
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