From correspondents in Washington, United States, 07:31 AM IST

US President Barack Obama has urged Israel to freeze Jewish settlement activities in the West Bank, reiterating Washington's support for establishing a Palestinian state.

After meeting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the White House Thursday, Obama told reporters that Israel 'must meet obligations' to halt Jewish settlement activities in the West Bank, and that Israel would recognise the two-state solution in its security interests.

Obama's hard message to Israel came a day after Benjamin Netanyahu led government in Tel Aviv dismissed Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton's call to freeze all Jewish settlement activities in the West Bank.

President Obama also urged the Palestinian side to stop anti-Israel violence and incitement. 'I'm a strong believer in a two-state solution,' Obama said, adding that he was confident the peace process could be moved forward if all the parties meet their obligations they've committed to do.

Obama, however, added that he would not set an artificial timetable for the establishment of a Palestinian state.

President Abbas said he would not resume peace talks with Israel until it stops the settlement activities and accept the two-state solution.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)