Israel might endorse Palestinian state

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might endorse the creation of a Palestinian state during his upcoming visit to Washington, according to the country’s defense minister Ehud Barak.

Speaking on Channel 2 TV on Saturday, the minister said that he believes that an agreement with the Palestinians is possible within three years. Benjamin Netanyahu and Barack Obama’s meeting is scheduled for Monday.

The news comes after Russia convened a meeting of the UN Security Council at the beginning of the week to urge Tel Aviv to restart the peace process.

Foreign Minister Lavrov also announced that Moscow was ready to host a Middle East peace conference later in the year.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon added his weight to the proceedings, saying the time was right for Israel to fundamentally change its policies.