After Fatah gave its approval for the resumption of indirect talks with Israel on Saturday, the Prime Minister once again praised the move, expressing his hopes that the talks mediated by the United States will soon lead to direct negotiations between Israel and the PA (Palestinian Authority).

Officials in the Prime Minister’s Office released a statement calling for the resumption of direct talks, without preconditions, indicating the need for both sides to make “tough decisions”.

At present, the so-called Proximity talks are underway, with US special Mideast envoy George Mitchell engaging in shuttle diplomacy between Jerusalem and Ramallah. He has already met with Netanyahu and PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen).

The talks are backed by the Arab League, which set a four-month time limit on the process, seeking to place the burden on Israel for Jerusalem’s unwillingness to comply with demands for a construction freeze and withdraw to the pre-June 1967 boundaries.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)