BICOM

US Special Envoy to the Israeli-Palestinian negotiations Martin Indyk met with Tzipi Livni and Saeb Erekat again last night in Jerusalem with US officials announcing that the gaps between the parties had been “narrowed”.

Although State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki clarified that reports of the deal were “premature at this time,” there are several reports of components of a potential deal which would extend final status negotiations between the two sides for a further year. Such components would reportedly include a Palestinian commitment not to make use of international conventions they have already joined and suspend additional applications for membership. In exchange, Israel would go ahead with the suspended release of the fourth group of 26 prisoners serving long sentences for terror offences agreed in July 2013, including Arab-Israelis. Israel would further release hundreds of additional Palestinian prisoners described as “high calibre,” and also agree to a quiet freeze on settlement construction. It is also reported that the deal will include the release from prison of Jonathan Pollard, a former US intelligence officer convicted of spying for Israel 30 years ago. This element is seen as crucial for getting a majority for the deal in the Israeli cabinet.

Despite signs that such a deal – especially if it included the release of Jonathan Pollard – would have a chance of being approved by the Israeli government, the leader of the Jewish Home party, Naftali Bennett, yesterday warned that his party would bolt the coalition if an agreement to release prisoners with Israeli-citizenship (Israeli-Arabs) was agreed. If this threat were to be realised, Prime Minister Netanyahu’s coalition would lose its majority and would be forced to search for other partners, such as the Labour party.

Whilst efforts overcome the impasse continue, the threat is growing of a dangerous escalation in tensions. Last night, Israel reported that it was freezing the monthly transfer of NIS 350 million in tax revenues to the Palestinian Authority. This could have practical implications in three weeks time when the next payment is due.