Merkel talks with Palestinian leader after Israel visit

JERUSALEM – German Chancellor Angela Merkel has spoken with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas by telephone days after saying she would push him to return to negotiations with Israel.

Neither leader indicated Tuesday that they discussed a renewal of peace talks, but both voiced support for a two-state solution to the conflict.

Last week, Merkel said after joint governmental meetings in Israel that she would tell Abbas to return to the negotiating table.

Abbas has rejected the Trump administration’s still unannounced Mideast peace plan, saying the U.S. is not an honest broker. He has cited the administration’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and its decision to cut aid to the Palestinians.

American-mediated peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians last broke down in 2014.