News Brief

(IsraelNN.com) Palestinian Authority (PA) Chairman Mahmoud Abbas categorically stated to a Jordanian newspaper that the status of Jerusalem is on the negotiating table, despite repeated statements to the contrary by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. PA negotiator Saeb Erekat also stated Monday that all issues, without exception, may be brought up at discussions between the Prime Minister and Abbas Tuesday. Prime Minister Olmert again stated Monday morning that Abbas agreed on Sunday to leave the subject of the status of Jerusalem off the negotiating table until other matters are solved first.

The Prime Minister is facing the possibility of losing power if the subject comes up. Shas, a key coalition partner, has repeatedly stated it will quit the government when it begins talking about dividing the capital with the PA. Prime Minister Olmert as recently as two years ago stated that Jerusalem is the "eternal and undivided" capital of the Jewish state.