Netanyahu 'changes his tune' on creation of separate Palestinian state post Israel election

Days after he vowed to not allow the formation of a separate Palestinian state, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has taken a U-turn on his declaration amid mounting international criticism.

In his first interview since winning Tuesday's election, Netanyahu backed off by saying that he did not want a one-state solution but a "sustainable, peaceful two-state solution." However, he added, "But for that, circumstances have to change," reported The Guardian.

Netanyahu also denied that he had retreated from his comments on Monday, when he ruled out the setting up of a Palestinian state.

The embarrassing retreat came after the White House indicated that the United States could stop shielding Israel at the United Nations and international institutions if it was not committed to a two-state solution, a key long-term policy in the U.S.

Officials also said that the U.S. might back a UN resolution recognising a Palestinian state.

The statement came as Netanyahu intensified efforts to set up a new rightwing Israeli coalition government involving his far-right ally Naftali Bennett of the pro-settlement Jewish Home and ultra-orthodox religious parties.