Hopeful. Netanyahu
Photo: AP
'Talk is cheap.' Abbas
Photo: AFP
Official: Economy distraction from stalled talks
Government sources concerned any deterioration in economic situation may spotlight stalemate in negotiations with Palestinians. On Abbas: He should speak of desire for peace also in Arabic
Government officials expressed concern Thursday over the stalemate in negotiations with the Palestinians and the possible ramifications it may have on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and on Israel in general.
"As long as the economic situation is good, people get used to the fact that there is no peace process, but if something goes wrong and the economic situation deteriorates, the (stalemate) may become a major problem," one of them said.
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In closed discussions, Netanyahu estimated that the Palestinians are not interested in returning to the negotiation table, but expressed hope that the Americans would be able to convince them to resume talks.
The peace talks have been on hold since the US announced several weeks ago that it had failed to convince Israel to extend a 10-month construction moratorium in the settlements.
Israeli officials believe Washington will try to jumpstart the indirect peace talks after Christmas.
Meanwhile, there are growing calls within the Labor Party to leave the coalition should the stalemate persist.
Earlier this week, during a meeting in Ramallah with some 100 Israeli politicians, reporters, political activists and even representatives of the ultra-Orthodox community, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called on the sides "not to miss the opportunity for peace." But officials in Jerusalem are not impressed. "The Palestinians are continuing with their double-dealing, but we welcome every moderate statement on their part," one official said.
"We expect them to make similar remarks in Arabic, but they say other things. They must back their words with action - stop burning (settlement-made) products, stop sending anti-Israel letters and refrain from supporting the Goldstone Report," said the official.
"They are avoiding direct talks. You can’t say you want peace and at the same time say you are not willing to sit down and talk to achieve it."
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