White House concerned over 'divisive rhetoric' in Israel's election

The White House has criticized the "divisive rhetoric" in the Israeli election, which was won by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest said that a rhetoric that sought to marginalize one segment of Israel's population was "deeply concerning" and "divisive." He added that these were the views that the administration wanted to communicate directly to the Israelis, reported the BBC.

Earnest stressed that the United States has believed for more than 20 years that a two-state solution was the goal of resolving the conflict between the Israelis and Palestinians.

In the wake of Netanyahu's comments ruling out a separate Palestinian state, the U.S. will "re-evaluate their approach," he said.

Earnest added that President Barack Obama was yet to congratulate Netanyahu on his victory but would do so in the coming days once he had been directed to form a government, as in previous elections.

The European Union and the United Nations also urged Netanyahu to continue with the two-state solution to the Palestinian issue.

The statements came as Netanyahu's Likud party claimed victory after earning 30 seats in Tuesday's election. The Israeli leader had earlier vowed to not allow the creation of a Palestinian state if re-elected.