Obama Says Israel-Palestinian Two-State Solution 'Vital' for Peace

President Barack Obama said on Thursday he continues to believe a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinians was "absolutely vital" for achieving Middle East peace.

Obama said he believed the two-state option was also the best for the long-term security of Israel. He acknowledged the prospect of a peace accord "seems distant now," noting that a number of members of the new Israeli government did not share the view that a two-state solution was viable.