Incoming Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday his government will be a “partner for peace with the Palestinians,” the latest sign that the new Israeli leader is softening his stand as he prepares to take office next week.

Netanyahu, who has been skeptical of past peace efforts, delivered his pledge a day after President Barack Obama said the U.S. will push for creation of a Palestinian state.

The prime minister-designate said he will seek parliamentary approval for his new government next week. Then he would take over as head of a government dominated by hawkish parties, but potentially moderated by the presence of the centrist Labor Party.