NEW YORK
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to renew his commitment to a two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
In a phone call, the UN chief congratulated Netanyahu on his right-wing Likud party's victory in Tuesday's elections, according to a statement issued by Ban's office.
"The Secretary-General reiterated his view that the two-state solution was the only way forward and urged the Prime Minister to renew Israel’s commitment to that goal," read the statement.
The so-called "two-state solution" proposes the creation of an independent Palestinian state within pre-1967 borders living alongside Israel.
In a final push during his election campaign, Netanyahu said Monday that he would ditch the UN-proposed two-state model altogether and never allow the formation of a Palestinian state if he were to be re-elected.
He later watered down his stance, saying that he wanted a two-state solution but "circumstances needs to change."
Ban also urged Netanyahu to release tax revenue currently held by Israel but owed to the Palestinian Authority.
The Israeli government blocked the transfer of approximately $125 million in tax revenues owed to the Palestinian Authority in retaliation of its decision in January to join the International Criminal Court that will allow it to pursue war crimes charges.
