In call with Netanyahu, Ban urges renewed Israeli commitment to two-State solution

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today to congratulate him on his recent electoral victory, and urged him to renew Israel’s commitment to the two-State solution.

The United Nations chief also urged the Prime Minister to release the tax revenue currently held by Israel but owed to the Palestinian Authority.

Earlier this week, UN spokesperson Farhan Haq told reporters that it is incumbent on the new Israeli Government, once formed, to create the conditions for a negotiated final peace agreement with the active engagement of the international community that will end the Israeli occupation and realize the creation of a viable Palestinian State living in peace and security alongside Israel.

This, he added, includes the cessation of illegal settlement building in the occupied Palestinian territory.

In his phone call today, Mr. Ban reiterated his view that the two-State solution was the only way forward.