Mideast Talks 'Constructive'
Israeli and Palestinian leaders agreed to meet again in two weeks after holding what the U.S. envoy to the Middle East described as "constructive" talks Wednesday (BBC). In the first direct negotiations between the two sides in two years, the leaders agreed to hammer out a framework agreement to serve as a blueprint for future negotiations (JPost).
Yet despite the air of cordiality, considerable hurdles remain. Of primary interest is whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will extend the freeze of Jewish settlement construction in the West Bank, a key demand of Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas. The moratorium is scheduled to expire September 26, but Netanyahu made no indications whether an extension will be forthcoming (NYT). Both leaders face little public support at home for any concessions, with Abbas under fire from allies (CSMonitor) and Netanyahu drawing fire from settlers and the political right (JPost).
Analysis: Settlement construction in the West Bank is among the key issues dividing the sides, and some experts doubt (NYT) Israeli leaders will be able to bring the settler movement under control. Al-Jazeera reports, meanwhile, that dozens of Israeli academics have publicly denounced Jewish settlements in the West Bank.
Background: The Christian Science Monitor offers a guide to the top five issues dividing Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
Steven Cook says it's "hard to be optimistic" that anything lasting will come from the talks.
Israeli and Palestinian leaders agreed to meet again in two weeks after holding what the U.S. envoy to the Middle East described as "constructive" talks Wednesday (BBC). In the first direct negotiations between the two sides in two years, the leaders agreed to hammer out a framework agreement to serve as a blueprint for future negotiations (JPost).
Yet despite the air of cordiality, considerable hurdles remain. Of primary interest is whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will extend the freeze of Jewish settlement construction in the West Bank, a key demand of Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas. The moratorium is scheduled to expire September 26, but Netanyahu made no indications whether an extension will be forthcoming (NYT). Both leaders face little public support at home for any concessions, with Abbas under fire from allies (CSMonitor) and Netanyahu drawing fire from settlers and the political right (JPost).
Analysis: Settlement construction in the West Bank is among the key issues dividing the sides, and some experts doubt (NYT) Israeli leaders will be able to bring the settler movement under control. Al-Jazeera reports, meanwhile, that dozens of Israeli academics have publicly denounced Jewish settlements in the West Bank.
Background: The Christian Science Monitor offers a guide to the top five issues dividing Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
Steven Cook says it's "hard to be optimistic" that anything lasting will come from the talks.
