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Israel hands PA proposal over peace talks extension following prisoner impasse
Israeli leaders have reportedly handed the Palestinian Authority (PA) a proposal which they hope will lead to the extension of peace talks as disagreement over the release of a group of Palestinian prisoners continued over the weekend.
Israel had been scheduled on Saturday night to free the fourth and final batch in the overall release of 104 Palestinian prisoners, which Israel agreed in order to allow the resumption of peace talks in July. With an end of April deadline on peace negotiations approaching, Israeli leaders, who have expressed their desire to extend talks, want a similar Palestinian commitment to continue negotiations before a release. However, the PA insists Israel must fulfil its commitment to free prisoners regardless.
AFP reports that Israel yesterday presented PA President Mahmoud Abbas with a draft proposal to re-launch peace talks, which he will examine overnight. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said yesterday that the future of peace talks “resolves or implodes” within the coming days. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State John Kerry, who was in close touch with leaders on both sides over the weekend, said yesterday, “We’ll see where we are tomorrow when some judgments have to be made.” Israel’s President Shimon Peres commented that “serious effort” by both sides could bring clarity as early as this evening.
There was speculation in the Israeli media over the weekend that Israel is prepared to release hundreds of additional prisoners to secure an extension to peace talks. Netanyahu emphasised yesterday that a prisoner release would not take place “without clear reciprocity to Israel. And if there will be a deal, it will come to the cabinet for its approval.”
The release of any additional Palestinian prisoners would likely be strongly opposed by some members of Netanyahu’s government including Jewish Home and members of his own Likud Beitenu faction. However, stagnation in peace talks would raise questions over the position of coalition member Hatnuah, led by Israel’s chief negotiator Tzipi Livni.