Trump administration officials suggested that peace between the parties might be possible in another framework.

A source with knowledge of the matter said that the two sides had discussed "politics, security and the future of the peace process."

"There is no alternative solution for the situation between the Palestinians and Israelis, other than the solution of establishing two states and we should do all that can be done to maintain this."

"The Israelis are going to have to show some flexibility," Trump said in the joint press conference. "And I think they'll do that."

For Netanyahu to score political points with his voter base, the best he can hope to gain from Trump is to agree to disagree on the conflict.

Speaking with reporters on Tuesday, press secretary Sean Spicer said Trump plans to emphasize his interest in reaching a “comprehensive agreement that would end the Israeli- Palestinian conflict.”

Whatever Trump has planned will take shape on Wednesday as he hosts Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the first time in the Oval Office.

Unlike some national security issues which can take years to come into focus, a number of these questions will be clarified in the coming days.