Obama questions Netanyahu's support of two-state idea

President Obama says the U.S. approach to the Israeli-Palestinian issue must be re-evaluated in light of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's comments, despite his changed rhetoric since his re-election.

"I indicated to him that, given his statements prior to the election, it is going to be hard to find a path where people are seriously believing that negotiations are possible," Obama said of Netanyahu in an interview with The Huffington Post. "So we're evaluating what's taking place."

Before last week's election in Israel, Netanyahu appeared to rule out the prospect of a Palestinian state. After his victory, the prime minister shifted his tone and again voiced support of the idea of a two-state plan -- Israel and Palestine -- as long as certain conditions are met.

The revised statement did not appear to placate Obama and aides, who have clashed repeatedly with Netanyahu over Palestinian talks, settlement activity, and nuclear negotiations with Iran.

Obama told The Huffington Post that. regardless of policy differences, "our military and intelligence cooperation to keep the Israeli people safe continues. And that cooperation also helps the American people stay safe."

Asked if he thinks Netanyahu is serious about forming a new Palestinian state, Obama said:

"Well, we take him at his word when he said that it wouldn't happen during his prime ministership, and so that's why we've got to evaluate what other options are available to make sure that we don't see a chaotic situation in the region."

Obama did not discuss what those options might be.