Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu met on Wednesday with US National Security Advisor James Jones, one of a number of senior US officials visiting Jerusalem. The two agreed on the formation of joint teams that will discuss diplomatic and security issues.

The two officials discussed matters pertaining to the PA (Palestinian Authority), Syria and Iran, the daily Yisrael HaYom reports.

Aides to Mr. Netanyahu described the meeting as “excellent” as Israel decided to additional good-will gestures to the PA, primarily permitting the entry of building supplies into Hamas-controlled Gaza for the first time since before Operation Cast Lead. The prime minister announced however that Gaza crossings will remain shut until Gilad Shalit is released by Hamas. His decision elicited words of praise from Mr. Noam Shalit, the captive soldier’s father.

Another good-will gesture is Israel’s agreement to permit Fatah terrorists to attend a Fatah assembly in PA-occupied Beit Lechem, even those who live in Syria, Lebanon or Gaza, not just in PA autonomous areas in Yehuda and Shomron. As a result, Abu Maher Ghneim, who has been living in exile for 40 years, appeared in Ramallah and received a heroes’ welcome.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)