BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert backs the Palestinian bid to upgrade its status at the United Nations, a US news site reported Wednesday.

Olmert told The Daily Beast the "the Palestinian request from the United Nations is congruent with the basic concept of the two-state solution. Therefore, I see no reason to oppose it."

He added: "It is time to give a hand to, and encourage, the moderate forces amongst the Palestinians. (President Abbas) and (premier) Salam Fayyad need our help. It's time to give it.”