PM Netanyahu seeks final deal with Palestinians, report claims

A report in today's Jerusalem Post newspaper contends that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seeks a final status accord with the Palestinians, and not merely an interim agreement. According to the report, Netanyahu has said in internal discussions that if a 'courageous leadership' were to emerge on the Palestinian side, it would be possible to commence negotiations toward a final status accord, and this would be preferable to a long term interim arrangement. Netanyahu also said this week that it was too early to 'count out' Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas. To dispel mistrust in his close circle, the prime minister noted that few believed that Egyptian President Anwar Sadat would make peace with Israel. 

The latest report comes amid a flurry of media speculation in Israel regarding behind-the-scenes efforts by the government of Israel to end the current stalemate in the Israeli-Palestinian diplomatic process. A report yesterday in Maariv described a plan for the formation of a Palestinian state with 'provisional borders,' which would then pave the way for final status negotiations. The plan, the newspaper contended, is being developed by President Shimon Peres and Defence Minister Ehud Barak. It is not clear, however, if the latest reports in fact presage concrete progress. PA Chairman Abbas remains committed to his demand that settlement activity in the West Bank and Jerusalem cease before negotiations can start. Netanyahu, meanwhile, is thought to be prepared to discuss a moratorium on settlement building - on condition that it does not include Jerusalem and does not preclude the construction of public buildings needed to maintain normal life in the settlements.

In a recent interview with the BBC, Abbas also sounded a note of pessimism. The PA Chairman claimed that Israel was holding secret negotiations with Hamas toward the creation of a Palestinian state with temporary borders. Abbas also reiterated that he would not seek re-election in the next elections for the leadership of the PA.

Back to top Previous article Next article