The latest effort to broker a Mideast peace seems to be in jeopardy, but the U.S. administration may be able to keep the talks going.
Negotiations between the Israeli government and Palestinian leadership have not been called off, and U.S. envoy George Mitchell continues to seek support in the region. The current setback over Israeli settlements could be set aside ”“ if Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas agrees.
The effort has been in jeopardy since last week, when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refused to extend a moratorium on new housing construction in the West Bank. Palestinians argue that the expansion of settlements interferes with efforts to map out a new Palestinian state.
The impasse could lead to the cancellation of talks by Abbas this week, following a meeting of the Arab League on Friday. In the words of a Saudi official, “the moment of truth has arrived for those seeking to resolve the conflict.”
It’s the task of Mitchell and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton to convince influential Arab leaders, and Abbas, that the moment of truth has not yet arrived. Only further negotiations can determine whether an acceptable compromise can be achieved.
The peace talks have a long way to go and Israeli and Palestinian hard-liners shouldn’t be in a position to halt them. That’s why the U.S. administration is petitioning members of the Arab League for support: The survival of the talks could depend on how sincerely Arab leaders support them.
— Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Nick Cowenhoven at nickc@journaltribune.com.
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