
Palestinian Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas has demanded that Israel provide him political incentives in exchange for his efforts to stem the latest wave of Arab terror, Channel 10 reported Saturday night.
Israel, however, is reportedly reluctant to agree to Abbas' demands and has only offered the Palestinians technical solutions.
Abbas attended a series of meetings on Saturday with both US Secretary of State John Kerry and Jordan's King Abdullah on calming tensions in the region.
According to Channel 10's report, Abbas made clear in the meetings his expectation that Israel release the fourth round of security prisoners - a condition for talks during US-sponsored negotiations a year and a half ago. Those prisoners contain several convicted murderers.
He also demanded an official statement from Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu announcing the resumption of negotiations under these agreed upon conditions.
Ignoring Abbas' terms, Israel has focused its attention on economic issues regarding the Palestinian Arab population.
Israeli representatives have instead proposed enlarging the number of work permits for Palestinians as well as planning for villages in PA-controlled areas.
All efforts to calm tensions may be stymied, however, by Hamas plans to torpedo talks in the region. According to Palestinian security sources, Hamas has plans to increase the level of incitement as well perpetrate attacks in Jerusalem and other areas.