Defense Minister Ehud Barak called for extra efforts to reopen negotiations with the Palestinian Authority. "It is imperative for all sides to make a greater effort to begin the talks. This is a unique opportunity, and any delay will serve Hamas and the radical forces in the region," Barak said.

In a statement, Barak said that talks being held Saturday night in Israel with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton would center on possible steps Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and the United States could take in order to reopen Israel-PA talks in the coming weeks.