WASHINGTON - There will be no Middle East peace without determined intervention from US President Barack Obama, as the Israelis and Palestinians will not get "anywhere" by themselves, Jordan's king said.
King Abdullah II, following White House talks last week, told NBC television in an interview aired Sunday that he would wait for a signal on US intentions after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits here next month.
"But if, right after that visit, there's not a clear understanding of how America is going to weigh in on these problems, then I think the goodwill (towards) the United States will disappear," he said on "Meet the Press."
"And I think that people will start cutting their own deals," Abdullah warned.
Noting Israel's recent conflicts in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip, the king said that "in the next 18 months, if we don't move the process forward ... there will be another conflict between Israel and another protagonist."
"And how many people will have to continue to lose their lives?" he said.
"If it's left to the players, the Israelis and Palestinians by themselves, we're not going to get anywhere.
"It can only happen if there is an American umbrella with a determined American president that is going to get the Israelis and Palestinians to sit (at) the table."
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