As it is now clear to all, that Justice Minister Tzipi Livni has failed to negotiate a peace agreement with the PA (Palestinian Authority), she is blaming Housing Minister Uri Ariel of sabotaging the negotiations.

Livne was given the authority of chief negotiator for Israel in the talks, and despite her optimism months ago, she has emerged with nothing in hand other than the PA acting unilaterally as a clear sign the talks have hit a dead end.

Speaking on Channel Two’s Meet the Press program on motzei Shabbos, Livni explained “The Palestinians became impatient and acted in a problematic way…”

She explained that PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) has yet to prove if he is a genuine peace partner, but she blames Ariel and his publicized housing tenders last week for derailing the talks. She added that Ariel acted intentionally, aware his actions would sabotage the negotiations.

When asked to comment, Ariel explained “She was given the job and credit for making peace and now, that she has failed miserably, she needs someone to blame. Her crocodile tears over construction in Yehuda, Shomron and Yerushalayim are from someone who knew this would occur as did the Americans and the Palestinians”.

Livni saved some of the blame for the United States too, explaining she feels that over the past months too much talking was taking place between the United States and the PA and not enough direct talks were held between Israel and the PA. she explained that if the PA would have not become impatient a deal that would have included the release of all prisoners would have been signed.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)