Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to face questions Tuesday from U.S. lawmakers about his refusal to back a two-state solution, which many on Capitol Hill see as a key to Mideast peace.
A day after spending two hours in talks with President Obama, Netanyahu was slated to meet House and Senate leaders, as well as Jewish legislators. He planned to explain his plan for peace while also making the case for taking on Iran's suspected nuclear weapons ambitions.
On Monday, Obama told Netanyahu he wanted to engage Iran in talks before taking more dramatic action, saying a clear indication from Iran on its intentions could come by the end of the year. Obama admonished Netanyahu for expanding Jewish settlements and told him to seize the "historic opportunity" to bring peace to the region.
Obama pressed hard for a two-state solution, but Netanyahu did not commit to recognizing a Palestinian state. Instead, he said he is willing to resume talks he once called a "waste of time" as soon as Palestinians recognize Israel's right to exist as a Jewish nation.
Obama told reporters that Palestinians must dismantle militant groups.Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who visits the White House on May 28, has said he would not resume negotiations unless Israel committed to a two-state solution and agreed to freeze settlements. His aides offered praise for Obama but were disappointed with Netanyahu's response.
Obama links peace efforts between Israel and the Palestinians to getting the support of Arab states in blocking Tehran from becoming a nuclear power. Iran claims its nuclear program is meant to produce energy, but much of the international community believes Iran's nuclear ambitions are military in nature.
The Israeli media has reported that Netanyahu could be planning to attack Iranian nuclear facilities. The U.S. sent CIA Director Leon Panetta to Israel recently to demand advance notice of any military action against Iran.
