Obama reassures Israel over Palestinian move, Iran

President Obama told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday that the U.S. opposes Palestinian attempts to join the International Criminal Court in order to pursue war crimes charges against Israel.

Obama "reiterated the United States' position that the Palestinian Authority does not yet constitute a state," said a White House readout of the Obama-Netanyahu phone call.

The president also "underscored that the United States does not believe Palestinian accession to the ICC is a constructive way forward," the White House said. "The United States continues to strongly oppose actions by both parties that undermine trust and encourages both sides to seek ways to deescalate tensions."

The phone call also dealt with ongoing U.S.-led negotiations about Iran's nuclear program.

Said the White House: "The president reaffirmed to the prime minister that the United States is focused on reaching a comprehensive deal with Iran that prevents Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and verifiably assures the international community of the exclusively peaceful nature of its nuclear program."