The Times of Israel reports:
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power reiterated Saturday her country’s commitment to advancing a two-state solution as well as a peaceful resolution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as she arrived in Israel for a series of high-level diplomatic talks.
“[I] will meet Israeli and Palestinian leaders… to discuss US commitment to two states side by side in security and peace,” Power tweeted upon her arrival.
Power, whose post makes her a cabinet member in the US, and who is considered a close adviser to President Barack Obama, was originally slated to visit Israel and the Palestinian Authority on January 15, but canceled the visit as world powers sought to coordinate a response to a nuclear test by North Korea.
Power last month condemned recent Palestinian terror attacks in the West Bank, as well as incitement to violence within the Palestinian Authority. She also condemned a recent Israeli announcement on the establishment of a new settlement in the Etzion settlement bloc, Israel Radio reported. She added that while the United States “strongly opposes settlement activity,” it nevertheless believes that “settlement activity can never in itself be an excuse for violence.”
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