Israel premier fast-tracking peace referendum bill

JERUSALEM — Israel’s prime minister says he is fast-tracking legislation that will allow him to put any future peace deal with the Palestinians to a referendum in Israel.

Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that a referendum is needed to prevent a rift in Israeli society. Polls suggest a majority of Israelis support the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel, but many are vehemently opposed. Some issues are particularly explosive, including a possible partition of Jerusalem.

Netanyahu says he’ll present a referendum bill soon to his Cabinet and then to parliament.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said in comments published Monday he also plans to hold a referendum on any possible peace deal, reiterating a long-standing position.