Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described US President Donald Trump's Middle East plan as a realistic path to durable peace.

The timing of the Middle East plan, just before a third Israeli election in less than a year, is seen as a boost for Netanyahu's campaign.

But its effects could start being felt in the occupied West Bank well before the March 2 polls.

Netanyahu said he agreed to negotiate with the Palestinians because the plan struck a balance between the sides.

Al Jazeera's Harry Fawcett reports from West Jerusalem.