Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Avigdor Lieberman met on Sunday with the ambassadors of the European Union to Israel. During the meeting, Lieberman reviewed the political situation and listened to the ambassadors’ remarks.

The senior minister stated that Israel has both a commitment and a real desire to reach a comprehensive agreement with the Palestinians, but noted that the feeling is that the Palestinians entered this round of talks to fulfill an obligation, and their preference is that the talks reach an impasse as soon as possible in order to avoid direct negotiations.

He added further that the declarations by PA leaders that they do not intend to abandon the option of returning to violence and terror should the negotiations not proceed to their satisfaction, indicates that the integrity they bring to the negotiating table may be questionable.

Those who truly desire peace must be aware that there is no alternative to direct talks between the sides, and only through negotiation, rather than through violence, will an agreement be achieved.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem / Foreign Ministry)