JERUSALEM: A powerful partner of Israel's prime minister has called peace with the Palestinians "impossible," saying the conflict between them and Israel can only be "managed."

Saturday's comments from former Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman follow a White House announcement of an upcoming visit to Israel by President Barack Obama, expected to focus on a resumption of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.

Talks have been largely frozen during the past four years under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Now re-elected, Netanyahu has hinted at resuming talks.

But Lieberman told Israel's Channel 2 TV that reaching a final accord with the Palestinians "is impossible."

Lieberman resigned as foreign minister two months ago after he was indicted for breach of trust in a fraud and money-laundering case. He remains a powerful lawmaker and Netanyahu's top political ally.