Uzi Arad
Photo: Shaul Golan
Netanyahu aide says no to resumption of peace talks
PM's Office confirms that top Netanyahu aide Uzi Arad rejected recent Palestinian requests to resume talks; however, Israeli officials say that negotiations were not rejected in principle and are expected later on
Israel's National Security Advisor, Uzi Arad, rejected in recent days a Palestinian request to renew talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, sources at the Prime Minister's Office confirmed Wednesday.
The story was first reported by the Kol Chai radio station, based on comments made by Palestinian Chief Negotiator Saeb Erekat. However, officials at Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas' office flatly denied reports that they approached the Israeli side. One official told Ynet that the PA in fact rejected several international calls to renew the negotiations.
"Our position is that as long as settlement construction continues, there will be no negotiations," the source said. Abbas himself voiced this position recently.
This is believed to be the first time Israel has rejected a Palestinian offer to renew negotiations since the Netanyahu government took office. However, in the months since the swear-in ceremony, Israel repeatedly accused the Palestinians of preventing the talks.
Just a week and a half ago, Netanyahu declared during a government meeting that he is willing to meet with Abbas soon, "even in Beersheba."
However, according to a Ynet inquiry, Arad stopped any plans for negotiations from proceeding at this time. PM's Office officials said, however, that Arad did not reject the talks in principle, but rather, only at this time. In the future, at an undetermined date, Israel intends to resume the talks, the sources said.
Ali Waked contributed to report
