Most political analysts are in agreement, that Wednesday’s start of the proximity talks, the mediate talks between Israel and the PA (Palestinian Authority), are not likely to result in agreement or event significant progress towards solving the conflict between Israel and the PA. The indirect talks are being mediated by special US Mideast envoy George Mitchell.

Mitchell and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu met for three hours in Yerushalayim on Wednesday, with both commenting on the “good atmosphere” that existed, but no progress was reported and it appears somewhat of a mystery just what was discussed. The two met alone for portions of the session and they were accompanied by advisors for the remaining time period. The two are set to meet for a second time on Thursday.

While Israel began the talks, PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) in Ramallah was still trying to maximize his political gain, having signaled a willingness to take part in the mediated process but still not releasing an official statement to that effect.

Abu Mazen is visiting with Arab leaders in the region and he is set to meet with Mitchell over the weekend.

Jerusalem on the other hand capitalized on the PA’s failure to officially announce its participation in the talks, releasing a message that the PA’s uncertainty and continuous demands casts a serious doubt on the effective of the talks, which PA officials have stated must not exceed four months.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)