Trump, Netanyahu discuss ‘threats posed by Iran’: White House

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. AP FILE PHOTO

WASHINGTON, United States — US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday discussed threats from Iran and agreed peace between Israel and the Palestinians must be “negotiated directly,” the White House said.

The two leaders spoke by telephone and “agreed to continue to closely consult on a range of regional issues, including addressing the threats posed by Iran,” the White House said in a statement, signaling the new administration’s tougher line on Tehran.

There was no mention of Trump’s suggestion to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Such a transfer would break with the consensus of the vast majority of the international community, which does not recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

That move — long promised by presidential candidates of all stripes — could provoke a backlash in the region.

The White House on Sunday appeared to play down suggestions that a decision was imminent.

“We are at the very beginning stages of even discussing this subject,” White House press secretary Sean Spicer told AFP.

Like other major powers, the US currently has its embassy in Tel Aviv.

Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas has warned that moving the embassy would deal a huge blow to hopes for Middle East peace, and the UN and EU have voiced deep concern over the proposal.

During the phone call on Sunday, Trump also stressed the need for direct talks between Palestinians and Israelis.

“The President emphasized that peace between Israel and the Palestinians can only be negotiated directly between the two parties, and that the United States will work closely with Israel to make progress towards that goal,” the White House said. CBB