Netanyahu, Obama to discuss major issues

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JERUSALEM, Feb. 10 (UPI) -- Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu says he will discuss Iran, Syria and the Palestinian peace process during U.S. President Barack Obama's visit.

"The president and I spoke of the visit and agreed that we will discuss three major issues. The Iranian attempt to arm itself with nuclear weapons, the instability in Syria and its implications on the region and the attempt to advance the political process between Israel and the Palestinians," Army Radio quoted Netanyahu as saying at the start of the weekly cabinet meeting Sunday.

Outgoing Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon said it was possible a three-way summit with Netanyahu, Obama and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas would take place during Obama's visit, Israel Radio said. Ayalon added Jordan's King Abdullah may also be invited to participate in such a summit.

Netanyahu's comments concerning the Israel-Palestinian peace process came less than a day after former Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said it was impossible to reach a comprehensive peace agreement with the Palestinians.

In an interview on Channel 2's "Meet the Press," Saturday night, Lieberman said: "Anyone who thinks that in the center of the diplomatic, political and social tsunami that is shaking the Arab world it is possible to get a magical solution of comprehensive peace with the Palestinians does not understand. I am saying clearly that it is impossible to reach a comprehensive agreement with the Palestinians."

Lieberman, who resigned from his post in December to fight charges of fraud and breech of trust, said he favors negotiating with the Palestinians but without preconditions.

"The ball is in Abu Mazen's (Mahmoud Abbas) court," he said.