Harper call to Netanyahu: Canada supports two-state solution

OTTAWA – Prime Minister Stephen Harper has reiterated Canada’s support for a two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians during a phone call to newly re-elected Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

It was the first time the two leaders had spoken since Netanyahu secured a victory on Tuesday.

In the final days of the hotly contested campaign, Netanyahu said he would not support the creation of an independent Palestinian state — a position that flies in the face of that taken by the U.S., Europe and Canada.

A statement from the prime minister’s office said that Harper had reiterated the government’s resolute commitment to Israel’s security, and also Canada’s long-standing position in favour of a two-state solution.

Harper’s more low-key approach has contrasted with that of U.S. President Barack Obama, who has expressed his disappointment with Netanyahu’s comments.

Obama told the Huffington Post that Netanyahu’s election rhetoric runs contrary to Israel’s traditional commitment to democracy and equality, and could also give ammunition to the country’s enemies.