JERUSALEM (JTA) — It soon will be clear whether peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians will resume, Benjamin Netanyahu told his Cabinet.
Netanyahu’s update to his Cabinet followed meetings last Friday and Sunday with the special U.S. envoy for Middle East peace, George Mitchell. Mitchell also met with other Israeli officials, including President Shimon Peres and Defense Minister Ehud Barak, as well as in Ramallah with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and various Palestinian officials.
Though Mitchell was not able in his visit to restart indirect Israeli-Palestinian talks, he said in a statement that his talks with both Israeli and Palestinian leaders were "positive and productive."
Netanyahu reportedly offered a series of goodwill gestures in order to bring the Palestinians back to the negotiating table, including releasing prisoners, removing checkpoints and barriers in the West Bank, and turning over more areas of the West Bank to Palestinian security responsibility. Netanyahu repeated that he would not freeze building in eastern Jerusalem, a key Palestinian demand.
Mitchell left Israel on Sunday and is set to return to the region next week, according to reports. Mitchell’s deputy, David Hale, will remain in Israel.
During his visit, Mitchell delivered an invitation to Abbas to visit the Untied States and meet with President Obama at the White House. The meeting is planned for next month, according to reports.
