Israel agrees with AL on peace talks

Israel has welcomed the Arab League’s endorsement of renewed peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians, an Israeli news source announces.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement on Saturday night that Israel is ready for the resumption of peace talks with the Palestinians.

“Israel is willing to renew negotiations with the Palestinians at any time and at any place,” Israeli newspaper, Ha’aretz quoted Netanyahu as saying.

He added “This time the talks will take place without preconditions, unlike in the previous 16 years.”

The Arab League on Saturday backed a resumption of the Palestinian-Israeli indirect peace negotiations, after receiving encouragement from the United States.

An Israeli official told The Jerusalem Post on Saturday night that Tel Aviv had agreed to discuss all core issues, including Jerusalem (al-Quds) and refugees, when the proximity talks begin this week.

“We are willing to discuss the core issues in the framework of the proximity talks, but it has to be only a preliminary discussion of the core issues.”

These issues, which also include borders, setting up a Palestinian state and recognition of Israel, can only be resolved through direct talks, the official added.

Israel has defied agreements it entered at the US-brokered Annapolis conference and has stonewalled peace by refusing to compromise on key issues, including the status of Jerusalem (al-Quds), the fate of Palestinian refugees, Israeli settlements and prisoners.