A report on Israel Radio said that Kadima chairman Haim Ramon advised PA negotiator Saeb Erekat to refuse to participate in direct talks with Israel. According to a Kadima official, Ramon met with Erekat on July 8, and discussed the various issues that would come up during the direct talks that are likely to begin in the near future. Ramon told Erekat that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu would not agree to PA proposals on borders, independence, Jerusalem, and other issues.
According to the official, Erekat asked Ramon what he should do, and Ramon answered that Erekat should refuse to participate in the talks. “The message was very clear,” the official said. Earlier this week, Netanyahu told the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee that "there are elements agitating against direct talks. Unfortunately, not all these elements are located outside Israel, and I am not referring to MKs on the right who are members of the coalition."
According to the official, Erekat asked Ramon what he should do, and Ramon answered that Erekat should refuse to participate in the talks. “The message was very clear,” the official said. Earlier this week, Netanyahu told the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee that "there are elements agitating against direct talks. Unfortunately, not all these elements are located outside Israel, and I am not referring to MKs on the right who are members of the coalition."