During President Obama's Cairo speech on 4 June 2009 in which Obama addressed the Muslim world, Obama stated, among other things, "The United States does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlements." Following Obama's Cairo speech Netanyahu immediately called a special government meeting. On 14 June, ten days after Obama's Cairo speech, Netanyahu gave a speech at Bar-Ilan University in which he endorsed a "Demilitarized Palestinian State", though said that Jerusalem must remain the unified capital of Israel. Netanyahu stated that he would accept a Palestinian state if Jerusalem were to remain the united capital of Israel, the Palestinians would have no army, and the Palestinians would give up their demand for a right of return. He also argued the right for a "natural growth" in the existing Jewish settlements in the West Bank while their permanent status is up to further negotiation. Senior Palestinian official Saeb Erekat said that the speech had "closed the door to permanent status negotiations" due to Netanyahu's declarations on Jerusalem, refugees and settlements.
During President Obama's Cairo speech on 4 June 2009 in which Obama addressed the Muslim world Obama stated among other things "The United States does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlements" Following Obama's Cairo speech Netanyahu immediately called a special government meeting On 14 June ten days after Obama's Cairo speech Netanyahu gave a speech at Bar-Ilan University in which he endorsed a "Demilitarized Palestinian State" though said that Jerusalem must remain the unified capital of Israel Netanyahu stated that he would accept a Palestinian state if Jerusalem were to remain the united capital of Israel the Palestinians would have no army and the Palestinians would give up their demand for a right of return He also argued the right for a "natural growth" in the existing Jewish settlements in the West Bank while their permanent status is up to further negotiation Senior Palestinian official Saeb Erekat said that the speech had "closed the door to permanent status negotiations" due to Netanyahu's declarations on Jerusalem refugees and settlements