Must Listen

Must Read

What Art Thinks

Pre-Millennialism

Today's Headlines

  • Sorry... Not Available
Man blowing a shofar

Administrative Area





Locally Contributed...

Audio

Video

Special Interest

Daily News
7595
“Israel, Palestinians Issue Conditions for Renewed Peace Talks”
by Israel Today   
September 1st, 2009

Israel and the Palestinian Authority on Monday issued their respective conditions for the renewal of bilateral peace talks.

As expected, the Palestinians repeated their demand that Israel completely halt the construction of all Jewish homes in Judea, Samaria and on the eastern side of Jerusalem. The Palestinians also insisted that the settlement freeze not have a temporary timeframe, as did the one offered last week by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Netanyahu has pointed out that since taking office he has already implemented a de facto settlement freeze in Judea and Samaria, but that it will only last as long as the Palestinians reciprocate by honoring their peace commitments. Netanyahu refused to extend the building freeze to Jerusalem.

Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, meanwhile, told visiting international envoys Tony Blair and Javier Solana on Monday that Israel will back off from meaningful negotiations if the Palestinians promote unilateral steps.

Lieberman was referring to Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salaam Fayad's plan to create a de facto Palestinian state, and to even declare it as such within the coming year.

Fayad plan includes opening several international airports under PA control, as well as building a fully functioning army with US assistance. Israel completely rejects the possibility of the Palestinians operating a full-fledge military force, and wants certain controls over entry points such as airport to prevent Palestinian groups like Hamas from using them to import weapons.

go back button