Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - The White House called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end Israel’s 50-year occupation of the Palestinian territories, repeating its criticism of Netanyahu's remarks in this regard.

White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough said in a speech in Washington that they cannot simply pretend that these comments were never made, or if it has not raised questions about the commitment of Israeli prime minister to reach peace through direct negotiations, referring to the disturbing remarks of Netanyahu.

He stressed that the United States will never stop working for a two-state solution, adding "an occupation that has lasted for 50 years must end".

McDonough strongly condemned Netanyahu's contradictory statements, stressing that "the Palestinian people must have the right to live and govern themselves in their own sovereign state".

"We will look to the next Israeli government to match words with action and to policies that demonstrates a commitment to a two-state solution," McDonough continued.