Israel has rejected the three conditions announced by PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) towards the PA (Palestinian Authority) agreeing to extend diplomatic talks for nine months. While officials in the Prime Minister’s Office did not respond officially, negotiators taking part in joint talks informed their PA counterparts the demands are being rejected.

Yisrael Hayom quotes unnamed sources saying “anyone putting forward such demands in not interested in peace”. Regarding the release of terrorists, PA officials have been informed that if the ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet) recommends deporting those being released to countries abroad or Gaza, that is what will be done.

“No nation would agree to freezing construction in its capital. No nation would release terrorists that pose a danger of returning to a life of terror. Negotiations are not conducted in an atmosphere demanding agreement on major issues from the get go” a senior political source is quoted saying, adding the PA has time and time again introduced demands that it knows will be rejected by Israel immediately. The unnamed source calls on the PA to act responsibly and begin seeking to achieve goals that are realistic and attainable.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)