Obama meets with Netanyahu, Abbas

President Obama urged Israelis and Palestinians to move forward with negotiations today as he met with both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

Speaking after he met separately with each leader, Obama said both sides have shown a willingness to negotiate in good faith but must do continue to work toward a "permanent status" agreement resolving border issues, refugee status, settlements and other outstanding differences.

"Palestinians have strengthened their efforts on security, but they need to do more to stop incitement and to move forward with negotiations," Obama said.

"Israelis have facilitated greater freedom of movement for the Palestinians and have discussed important steps to restrain settlement activity.  But they need to translate these discussions into real action on this and other issues."

Later in the afternoon, Obama met jointly with the two leaders.

Middle East Envoy George Mitchell will hold talks with negotiators from both sides next week to work on an agreement. Obama said he will review the status of those negotiations in mid-October and decide the best way forward.

"[T]he United States is committed to a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East," Obama said. "That includes a settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that results in two states, Israel and Palestine, in which both the Israeli people and the Palestinian people can live in peace and security and realize their aspirations for a better life for their children."