US special Mideast envoy George Mitchell met with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Sunday morning, wrapping up his current shuttle diplomacy visit to Israel and the PA (Palestinian Authority) in Ramallah. Mitchell is scheduled to return on Tuesday as the White House continues efforts to pressure Israel into making additional concession to the PA towards a resumption of diplomatic talks. The main point of contention remains Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s refusal to accept a construction freeze in Yerushalayim.

In his opening remarks prior to the weekly cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu stated the talks went well, held in a good atmosphere, stressing Israel’s willingness and desire to renew talks with the PA.

Mr. Netanyahu explained Israel genuinely wants peace, and continues working towards this goal. He confirmed the White House’s desire to launch talks immediately, a move that he supports. He told his cabinet that “we will know in the coming days” regarding renewed talks with the PA.

When asked to sum up the talks, Mitchell called them “positive and productive”, indicating both sides are seeking to create an improved atmosphere that is truly conducive to renewed talks.

Statements from the PA indicate that talks will not resume for as long as Israel does not agree to discuss the future status of Jerusalem.

Following is the text of the prime minister’s remarks prior to the cabinet meeting as furnished by his media advisors.

“This morning, I met again with Senator Mitchell.  Israel wants to begin the peace process immediately.  The US wants to start the peace process immediately.  I can only hope that the Palestinians will want to start the peace process immediately.  In the coming days, we will know if the peace process gets underway.  I hope that it will.  The talks with the US and its representative were very positive.

“Today, on behalf of both myself and the Government, I would like to greet our Druze brothers on their holiday, the holiday of Nebi Shueib, the prophet Jethro.  The Druze community is a splendid example of the integration of a minority in a democratic state, in every field – government, the military, industry and culture.  I think that there is much that needs to be done to strengthen and advance the community and the Government will do it.

“Today, we will advance a plan to save the State of Israel’s coastline.  This is a scenic and environmental asset of the highest order, which is unique to our country.  There are many things on the escarpment along the shoreline, including many buildings.  If we do not take care of this receding escarpment, we are liable to see developments that will cost human lives, as has occurred elsewhere in the world.  Therefore, this plan is necessary for reasons having to do with both safety and environmental protection.  For both these reasons, we will establish a team to submit recommendations to the Government within 120 days.  This expresses the Government’s commitment to the environment.  We did this last week in order to protect the Sea of Galilee basin; we are doing so today to defend our coastal escarpment.  I think you will see how green a Government this is.”

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)