Trump to downplay 2-state solution during Netanyahu meeting: Official

Feb. 15 (UPI) -- U.S. President Donald Trump is not expected to push for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict Wednesday when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits, a deviation from the Obama administration's tactic, a White House official said.

Trump's new relationship with Netanyahu differs from decades of U.S. policy under Democrat and Republican presidential administrations.

Trump's administration will not "impose" the two-state solution on the Israeli leader as the only route for peace in the Middle East.

"Maybe, maybe not. It's something the two sides have to agree to. It's not for us to impose that vision," an anonymous White House official told journalists Tuesday night. "A two-state solution that doesn't bring peace is not our goal."

The United Nations passed a resolution criticizing Netanyahu for the country's support of Jewish settlements on occupied Palestinian land. Former President Barack Obama's administration regarded Netanyahu's support of Israeli settlements as threatening the hope for a two-state solution.

Trump's administration earlier this month issued a warning to Israel over building new settlements in the West Bank, or expanding existing ones -- suggesting the move could make future negotiations for peace more difficult.

Netanyahu's visit will "usher in a new relationship between Israel and the United States -- something that Israel has not seen in well over eight years, a relationship that will show there is no daylight," the official said.