WASHINGTON (JTA) — Israeli-Palestinian talks reportedly were at an impasse over Israel’s insistence on a continued military presence when a dispute over settlements ended them.
Newsweek, quoting negotiators from each side, reported Monday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted that the Palestinians accept Israel’s "security concept" before discussing any other topic.
Netanyahu wanted Israeli troops stationed on the Palestinian side of the security barrier and in the Jordan Valley. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas countered that he would accept third-party troops, including from the United States, but not Israeli troops.
The two leaders spoke for a total of 16 hours in September before talks lapsed. Abbas walked away because Netanyahu refused to extend a 10-month partial settlement freeze.
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