WASHINGTON, May 4 (UPI) -- Israeli President Shimon Peres says his former rival, Prime Minister Binyamin Netantyahu, will follow through on commitments to reach a Palestinian peace deal.
Speaking Monday to the pro-Israel lobby AIPAC's annual conference in Washington, Peres said Netanyahu is serious about seeking a Palestinian solution, The Jerusalum Post reported.
"(Binyamin) Netanyahu was at one time my political opponent," Peres said. "Today, he is my prime minister. He knows history and wants to make history. In our tradition, making history is making peace, and I am sure that peace is his priority."
Peres also praised U.S. President Barack Obama, saying he had the potential to bring peace to the Middle East, the Post reported.
"I am convinced (Obama) has the capacity to turn the crises into opportunity," Peres said. "May I say to president Obama: You are young enough to offer hope to the world and great enough to bring it to life."
