On the eve of a regional economic conference in Cairo, chances appeared to be diminishing that it would serve as the setting for signing an Israeli-Palestinian accord on Hebron.
Earlier reports had suggested that a signing ceremony could take place at the gathering, which is expected to bring together some 2,000 business and political leaders from more than 80 countries.
But Palestinian officials said the sides were unlikely to conclude an agreement.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had hoped to conclude an agreement by Wednesday, when he is scheduled to leave for the United States to address the Council of Jewish Federations General Assembly, Israel Radio reported.
Talks on implementing the long-delayed redeployment of Israeli forces in the West Bank town have been stalled.
Palestinians have balked at Israeli demands to modify the agreement made by the previous Labor government. Israel, meanwhile, has accused the Palestinians of dragging on the talks in an effort to gain more concessions.
“We are ready to sign right now,” Dr. Ahmed Tibi, an Israeli Arab adviser to Palestinian Authority leader Yasser Arafat, told Israel Radio. Israel “is trying to change the agreements,” he added.
In recent days, Dore Gold, Netanyahu’s political adviser, and Yitzhak Molcho, an attorney who is close to the premier, have been meeting with Palestinian officials in an effort to break the impasse, Israel Radio reported.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
