In Jerusalem, officials are exhibiting an air of optimism regarding the resumption of talks with the PA (Palestinian Authority) following Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s visit to Cairo this week. The prime minister is confident that Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak will persuade PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) to agree to resume talks that broke off during the previous administration, of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.

There is talk of a summit in Cairo, which Jerusalem officials believe will be a launching pad for a resumption of talks. Prime Minister Netanyahu on Thursday issued another public call to Abu Mazen to return to the negotiating table to permit both sides to work out their differences. His words were echoed by Defense Minister Ehud Barak.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)