President Obama and Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke today by phone about recent developments in the P5+1 negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program and Israeli-Palestinian relations following the Palestinian application to join the International Criminal Court (ICC). The President reaffirmed to the Prime Minister that the United States is focused on reaching a comprehensive deal with Iran that prevents Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and verifiably assures the international community of the exclusively peaceful nature of its nuclear program. The President underscored the United States� enduring commitment to the security of Israel and the importance of continuing close cooperation with Israel on this issue.

On the Palestinian ICC bid, President Obama reiterated the United States� position that the Palestinian Authority does not yet constitute a state and is therefore not eligible to accede to the Rome Statute. President Obama underscored that the United States does not believe Palestinian accession to the ICC is a constructive way forward. The United States continues to strongly oppose actions by both parties that undermine trust and encourages both sides to seek ways to deescalate tensions.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)