 Is the Middle East stable enough to let down our guard?Peace process or piece process? PA again imposes preconditions for peace talksAbbas's spokesman demands that Netanyahu stop "settlement construction" and accept French initiative in order to resume talks. The folly of an imposed solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflictThe attempt to impose a solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict is worse than a crime; it is an egregious mistake. Obama's "legacy" should steer clear of that road to disaster. UN's Ban to visit Israel amid continued peace pushUN Secretary General heads to France ahead of a Middle East tour that will take him to Israel and the PA. On 'Palestine' - Trump must blow his own trumpet with greater clarityIt is time to ask with whom Trump intends to negotiate "somewhat neutrally" on the Middle East. Israel: PA doesn't want peaceIsraeli officials respond to PA Foreign Minister's declaration that there will "never" be direct talks with Israel again. Fatah official: Americans aren't 'honest broker'Fatah Central Committee member says United States is Israel's "strategic ally" and therefore cannot broker peace talks.Ban 'ashamed' at lack of progress in peace talksDays after repeatedly attacking Israel, UN chief says he is working for benefit of the people in the region. PA announces new UN campaign to renew peace talksPA’s UN envoy says PA may try to pass resolution condemning "settlements" as part of a campaign to force peace talks on Israel. French FM Calls to Renew Peace TalksFrench Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius claims that continued Israeli "settlement" construction poses a threat to a final peace deal. Shalom: Resume Peace Talks without PreconditionsInterior Minister says the Palestinian Authority should restart peace talks with Israel without preconditions. EU's Mogherini to Visit Israel, PA Next WeekEU foreign policy chief to visit the Middle East as part of renewed push to resume peace talks. Obama: 'Two-State Solution' Best for IsraelPresident Barack Obama continues to push new Israeli government towards accepting the "two-state solution" for peace with the PA. New Zealand Seeking UN Resolution on Peace TalksNew Zealand says it is working on a draft resolution to revive the long-stalled peace talks between Israel and the PA. France to Submit Peace Talks Resolution in 12 DaysOfficials say France is preparing a draft UN Security Council resolution on Palestinian statehood to be submitted in 12 days. Report: Blair to Step Back as Quartet's EnvoyFormer British PM reportedly has recognized that a frontline role in the Quartet is no longer tenable. Quartet to Meet to Discuss Israel-PA PeaceEnvoys from the United States, European Union, United Nations and Russia will meet January 26 to discuss stalled peace process. Lapid Outlines His Platform Ahead of ElectionsIn a speech at a diplomatic conference, Yair Lapid reiterated his 'centrist' views, differentiating himself from left and right-wing. Obama, Jordan's King Concerned Over TensionsPresident Obama meets King Abdullah II, says they are both “concerned” about the tensions between Israelis and Palestinians. Ya'alon: Conflict Nothing to Do with InstabilityDefense Minister Moshe Ya’alon says there is no linkage between the Israeli-Arab conflict and all the other problems in the Middle East. Kerry Meets Abbas, Discusses Peace EffortsPA Chairman and U.S. Secretary of State meet on sidelines of donor conference in Cairo, as Kerry restarts peace efforts. Livni: Abbas is Wasting Precious TimeJustice Minister tells NPR that PA Chairman should have chosen negotiations instead of unilateral moves at the UN. Abbas to Netanyahu: End the Occupation, Make PeacePA Chairman says he will present a new timetable for peace talks with Israel when he addresses the UN. Herzog Speaks to Abbas, Urges Resumption of TalksOpposition leader speaks to PA Chairman, asks him to resume peace talks with Israel and to refrain from unilateral steps. Herzog Calls for Resumption of Peace TalksOpposition leader calls for Israel and the Palestinian Authority to resume talks, even as Operation Protective Edge continues. Indyk Says Peace Talks Left Him 'Battered'In his first Tweet since resigning as Middle East envoy, Martin Indyk says he is "battered but unbowed". Danon: Livni Should be Dismissed as NegotiatorDeputy Defense Minister says Livni is harming Israel's diplomatic efforts by meeting PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas. Obama: Israel Responsible for Talks FailingSenior official in Washington says President Obama thinks Israeli "settlement construction" caused peace talks to fail. Lapid Not Giving Up on Peace with PA"We will not give up until we are separated from the Palestinians," says Yesh Atid leader at party convention. Abbas: We're Willing to Resume Talks, But...Abbas says PA ready to resume negotiations with Israel but conditions that on the release of terrorists and a construction freeze. Erekat: Israel Chose Settlements Over PeaceChief PA negotiator blames Israel for the failure of the peace talks. State Dept: Israel, PA Made 'Unhelpful' StepsUnited States lays the blame on both Israel and the PA for failure of peace talks, says efforts to salvage them will continue. Netanyahu: Hamas-Fatah Deal is a 'Blow to Peace'Speaking to foreign media, Netanyahu vows he will not negotiate with the PA so long as it is part of a government with Hamas. Fatah Slams Netanyahu's 'Racist' CoalitionSenior Fatah official Jibril Rajoub claims the deal between Hamas and Fatah has nothing to do with the peace talks with Israel.U.S. Backs Israel's Move to Cancel Talks with PAState Department says Israel can't be expected "to negotiate with a government that does not believe in its right to exist." PA: Congress Pushing for Sanctions Against UsPA claims some members of the U.S. Congress are calling for action against it in response to the unilateral UN move.Indyk to Return to Israel and Meet NegotiatorsA meeting between Israeli PA negotiators ends in no results, sides to meet again later this week. U.S. Criticizes PA Moves, Israel's SanctionsWhite House says the PA's unilateral moves hurt peace, as State Department says Israel's sanctions on the PA are "unfortunate". Officials: No Chances that Talks Will ResumeOfficials in Jerusalem pessimistic about the possibility of the stalled peace talks resuming anytime in the near future. Hamas: No to Extension of Peace TalksHamas declares it is against any extension of peace talks between Israel and the PA, amid reports that a deal may be in the works.State Department: Talks Continue, but No ProgressJen Psaki says a new round of talks between Israel and the PA but says "any speculation about an agreement are premature." Hamas: Unleash the ResistanceIn response to Israel's sanctions on the PA, Hamas says that Abbas should "give rein to resistance against the occupation". Arab League: Stalemate is Israel's FaultThe Arab League says Israel is responsible for the “serious predicament” facing the negotiations. RJC Blasts Kerry for Blaming IsraelRepublican Jewish Coalition says it is "outrageous" for Kerry to blame Israel for the stalled peace talks.PA Official: Israel Keeps Threatening UsPA sources blame Israel as last-ditch talks between Israeli and PA negotiators end without a breakthrough.PA Official: 'Zionist' Indyk Protects IsraelSenior PA official Abbas Zaki claims that American mediator Martin Indyk is "a Zionist who protects the interests of Israel." PA: We Didn't Mean to Upset KerrySenior Fatah official Nabil Shaath tries to do damage control after Kerry says he will "evaluate" his next steps. PA: Kerry's 'Jewish Advisors' Are to BlameFormer minister in the PA government claims that John Kerry’s “Jewish advisors” are to blame for the impasse in the peace talks. Kerry Considering Yet Another Middle East TripU.S. Secretary of State John Kerry may come to the Middle East on Monday in order to save the failing peace process. PA: Releasing Terrorists 'Good for the Morale'PA official who was jailed in Israel tells Likud Central Committee members that releasing terrorists "creates a good atmosphere." State Department Denies Talks are FailingU.S. denies that the peace talks have failed, despite earlier reports that Israel is refusing to release the fourth batch of terrorists. Kerry Announces Surprise Meeting with AbbasU.S. Secretary of State to interrupt a visit to Italy to meet with PA Chairman in Amman, amid impasse in peace talks. Abbas: Israel Trying to Get Out of ReleasePA Chairman launches a tirade against Israel, says it is responsible for the peace talks not progressing.Arabs Favor Extending Talks if Terrorists FreedA majority of Palestinian Arabs would support extending peace talks if Israel releases more terrorists, finds new poll. Abbas Sets Conditions for Extension of TalksPA Chairman agrees to extend peace talks, but only if Israel freezes construction in Judea and Samaria and releases more terrorists.Erekat: Israel Systemically Spoils TalksChief PA negotiator accuses Israel of taking “actions against the Palestinian people” that indicate that it has “chosen settlers.” Livni: Terrorist Release Depends on AbbasLivni: the PA will have to show seriousness in talks in order for Israel to go ahead with the release of the fourth batch of terrorists. |
