Saudi King Abdullah and his Jordanian counterpart Abdullah II discussed on Friday developments in Israel. The two monarchs, both close allies of the United States, reiterated their support for a new Arab state run by the American-backed Palestinian Authority in Israel's Judea and Samaria regions.

"A two-state solution is the only way to achieve security and stability in the region," the kings were quoted as saying in a joint statement. "Saudi Arabia and Jordan support the Palestinian people in seeking to restore their rights."