US says will work with any Israeli government
State Department spokesman Wood says Obama administration intends to pursue robust agenda once new Israeli leadership is established
WASHINGTON – US President Barack Obama's administration responded cautiously to the inconclusive results of Tuesday's general elections in Israel, saying it is looking forward to working with whatever new government is formed.
The Americans said they expect the new Israeli government to pursue the peace process with the Palestinians, with an emphasis on a two-state solution.
State Department spokesman Robert Wood told reporters Wednesday that the Obama administration will not speculate on what kind of government will be formed. Wood called Israel a thriving democracy and said the administration intends to pursue a robust agenda once the new Israeli leadership is established.
According to Wood, the US special envoy for the Middle East, George Mitchell, still intends to travel to Israel and elsewhere in the region shortly. It will be his second visit to the region this month.
Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have yet to respond directly to the election results.
AP contributed to this report
