30 july 2013
Naftali Bennett.
When Benjamin Netanyahu was re-elected as Israeli Prime Minister in January 2013, many political pundits predicted that we could now expect to see a kinder, gentler Knesset. Other analysts, myself included, feared that the new crop of legislators would be even crueler and more racist than their predecessors. An overview of the past six months would sadly seem to confirm the prognostications of the pessimists.
To believe that with the ultra-Orthodox parties cut out of the coalition, level-headed leadership would ensue requires one to consciously ignore the endless stream of supremacist statements by top politicians from the largest parties in the government: Likud, Yesh Atid and HaBayit HaYehudi. Public comments made by parliamentarians in the last 24 hours alone perfectly encapsulate the frightening lows that this country's leaders have sunk to.
Yesterday, on July 29, 2013, Israeli daily Yediot Ahronot reported that the leader of HaBayit HaYehudi, Israel's Minister of Industry Trade and Labor and of Religious Affairs Naftali Bennett said, "I've killed many Arabs in my life and there's no problem with that." Asked to clarify his statement, Bennett's spokesperson told 972 Magazine that he was speaking not of all Arabs, but of Arab militants who are captured -- in other words, prisoners of war.
Today, July 30, 2013, the ultra-Orthodox website BeHadrei Hadarim reported that David Lau, who began a ten-year term as the Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel less than a week ago, castigated Jewish youth for watching sports broadcasts, since the players are just "niggers". News site Maariv NRG uploaded a YouTube video that contained an audio file of Lau making the racist statements.
The first English-language Israeli news site to run the story, Ynet, completely buried the lead of the story -- the rabbi's revolting racism - and focused instead on his aversion to sports. Worse still, they intentionally mistranslated the word he used, "kushim", which means niggers, as "black men", which in Hebrew is actually "shchorim", or "anashim shchorim".
Bennett saw fit to respond to Lau's statement over Facebook, not condemning him for saying them, but rather condemning "the media" for "hounding" Lau. Bennett termed the comments "jovial", "marginal" and "insignificant" and announced his support for Lau.
The anti-Arab and anti-African racism of Israel's top political and religious leaders is not reserved for the realm of words alone. The government continues apace with its dual human removal projects: the Prawer-Begin plan to dispossess Bedouin Palestinian Arab citizens of Israel of their lands, so that they can be appropriated for Jewish settlements; and the Yishai-Saar plan to expel all African asylum-seekers from the country.
The objectives of the Netanyahu government are no secret: to reduce the number of non-Jewish people living in the country and to reduce the amount of land that the remaining non-Jewish people live on. Confident of the ability to carry out these plans, Israel's political and religious leaders make no attempt to hide the hate that lies behind them.
When Benjamin Netanyahu was re-elected as Israeli Prime Minister in January 2013, many political pundits predicted that we could now expect to see a kinder, gentler Knesset. Other analysts, myself included, feared that the new crop of legislators would be even crueler and more racist than their predecessors. An overview of the past six months would sadly seem to confirm the prognostications of the pessimists.
To believe that with the ultra-Orthodox parties cut out of the coalition, level-headed leadership would ensue requires one to consciously ignore the endless stream of supremacist statements by top politicians from the largest parties in the government: Likud, Yesh Atid and HaBayit HaYehudi. Public comments made by parliamentarians in the last 24 hours alone perfectly encapsulate the frightening lows that this country's leaders have sunk to.
Yesterday, on July 29, 2013, Israeli daily Yediot Ahronot reported that the leader of HaBayit HaYehudi, Israel's Minister of Industry Trade and Labor and of Religious Affairs Naftali Bennett said, "I've killed many Arabs in my life and there's no problem with that." Asked to clarify his statement, Bennett's spokesperson told 972 Magazine that he was speaking not of all Arabs, but of Arab militants who are captured -- in other words, prisoners of war.
Today, July 30, 2013, the ultra-Orthodox website BeHadrei Hadarim reported that David Lau, who began a ten-year term as the Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel less than a week ago, castigated Jewish youth for watching sports broadcasts, since the players are just "niggers". News site Maariv NRG uploaded a YouTube video that contained an audio file of Lau making the racist statements.
The first English-language Israeli news site to run the story, Ynet, completely buried the lead of the story -- the rabbi's revolting racism - and focused instead on his aversion to sports. Worse still, they intentionally mistranslated the word he used, "kushim", which means niggers, as "black men", which in Hebrew is actually "shchorim", or "anashim shchorim".
Bennett saw fit to respond to Lau's statement over Facebook, not condemning him for saying them, but rather condemning "the media" for "hounding" Lau. Bennett termed the comments "jovial", "marginal" and "insignificant" and announced his support for Lau.
The anti-Arab and anti-African racism of Israel's top political and religious leaders is not reserved for the realm of words alone. The government continues apace with its dual human removal projects: the Prawer-Begin plan to dispossess Bedouin Palestinian Arab citizens of Israel of their lands, so that they can be appropriated for Jewish settlements; and the Yishai-Saar plan to expel all African asylum-seekers from the country.
The objectives of the Netanyahu government are no secret: to reduce the number of non-Jewish people living in the country and to reduce the amount of land that the remaining non-Jewish people live on. Confident of the ability to carry out these plans, Israel's political and religious leaders make no attempt to hide the hate that lies behind them.
US Secretary of State John Kerry says the Palestinian Authority (PA) and Israelis will reopen negotiations “within the next two weeks.”
Kerry made the remarks at a joint press conference along with the Palestinian and Israeli chief negotiators, Saeb Erekat and Tzipi Livni, at the Department of State in Washington, DC after the two-day US-brokered talks ended on Tuesday.
He stated that the two sides would meet in “either Israel or the Palestinian territories in order to begin the process of formal negotiation.”
“I am pleased to report that, in the conversations we have had last night and again today, we have had constructive and positive meetings; both meetings with the United States present and also meetings with the parties by themselves. The parties have agreed to remain engaged in sustained, continuous, and substantive negotiations on the core issues,” Kerry said.
The US secretary of state also hailed acting PA chief Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for sending the negotiators to Washington.
However, many Palestinians believe the talks are doomed to failure because the Israeli regime and Washington are pushing for the Palestinians to unconditionally surrender.
Last Palestinian-Israeli talks broke down in September 2010 after Tel Aviv refused to freeze its settlement activities in the occupied West Bank.
The presence and continued expansion of Israeli settlements in occupied Palestine has created a major obstacle for the efforts to establish peace in the Middle East.
More than half a million Israelis live in over 120 illegal settlements built since Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and East al-Quds in 1967.
The United Nations and most countries regard the Israeli settlements as illegal because the territories were captured by Israel in a war in 1967 and are hence subject to the Geneva Conventions, which forbids construction on occupied lands.
Kerry made the remarks at a joint press conference along with the Palestinian and Israeli chief negotiators, Saeb Erekat and Tzipi Livni, at the Department of State in Washington, DC after the two-day US-brokered talks ended on Tuesday.
He stated that the two sides would meet in “either Israel or the Palestinian territories in order to begin the process of formal negotiation.”
“I am pleased to report that, in the conversations we have had last night and again today, we have had constructive and positive meetings; both meetings with the United States present and also meetings with the parties by themselves. The parties have agreed to remain engaged in sustained, continuous, and substantive negotiations on the core issues,” Kerry said.
The US secretary of state also hailed acting PA chief Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for sending the negotiators to Washington.
However, many Palestinians believe the talks are doomed to failure because the Israeli regime and Washington are pushing for the Palestinians to unconditionally surrender.
Last Palestinian-Israeli talks broke down in September 2010 after Tel Aviv refused to freeze its settlement activities in the occupied West Bank.
The presence and continued expansion of Israeli settlements in occupied Palestine has created a major obstacle for the efforts to establish peace in the Middle East.
More than half a million Israelis live in over 120 illegal settlements built since Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and East al-Quds in 1967.
The United Nations and most countries regard the Israeli settlements as illegal because the territories were captured by Israel in a war in 1967 and are hence subject to the Geneva Conventions, which forbids construction on occupied lands.
Dr. Yousef Rizqa, political adviser to Gaza prime minister, warned of offering new Palestinian concessions after the PA decision to resume talks with the Israeli authorities. He renewed the Gaza government rejection to the PA's unilateral decision to offer serious concessions to the Israelis amid Palestinian people and factions’ refusal to this step.
There is no political justification for resumption of talks in light of an Israeli extremist rightwing government, an American biased policy, in addition to the unstable current Arab situation due to the systematic schemes against the Arab spring revolutions, he added.
He described the Israeli decision to release 104 Palestinian prisoners who were detained before Oslo accords as a bribery that would be canceled once the negotiations fail.
He pointed out that Netanyahu will supervise the prisoners' deal that will not include prisoners affiliated to Hamas or Jihad movements or the prisoners from 1948-occupied territories.
He stressed that resistance is the only way to release the Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails, citing Wafa al-Ahrar deal in which 1000 Palestinian prisoners, chosen by Hamas movement, were released in exchange for the Israeli Corporal Gilat Shalit.
There is no political justification for resumption of talks in light of an Israeli extremist rightwing government, an American biased policy, in addition to the unstable current Arab situation due to the systematic schemes against the Arab spring revolutions, he added.
He described the Israeli decision to release 104 Palestinian prisoners who were detained before Oslo accords as a bribery that would be canceled once the negotiations fail.
He pointed out that Netanyahu will supervise the prisoners' deal that will not include prisoners affiliated to Hamas or Jihad movements or the prisoners from 1948-occupied territories.
He stressed that resistance is the only way to release the Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails, citing Wafa al-Ahrar deal in which 1000 Palestinian prisoners, chosen by Hamas movement, were released in exchange for the Israeli Corporal Gilat Shalit.
Palestinian national forces and factions, except Fatah movement, renewed their total rejection of resumption of talks between the PA and the Israeli occupation amid accusations to Fatah movement and PA of practicing dictatorship. The Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP) has called on Palestinian people to reject Kerry's initiative to resume talks.
The DFLP called for sticking to the national basic demands including stopping settlement construction, prisoners' release and rejecting the Israeli and American pressures.
The Democratic Front expressed rejection of peace negotiations in light of the Israeli ongoing and escalated settlement schemes on Palestinian lands, stressing the invalidity of any peace talks without the achievement of Palestinian national aims.
For its part, Hamas movement has called on PA president Mahmoud Abbas to step back from his decision to resume talks that only serve the Israeli occupation.
Spokesman for the movement, Sami Abu Zahri stated that Abbas's decision to resume negotiations does not represent the will of the Palestinian people.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) has launched a mass public campaign to bring down the Oslo agreement, to restore legitimacy to the Palestinian people as the source of resolution and all legitimacy.
Omar Shehadeh, member of the Political Bureau of the PFLP, stated that Sunday protest against negotiations in Ramallah is the beginning of a popular movement in the West Bank, Gaza, the occupied lands of 48, the camps and the Diaspora, to restore national unity on the basis of a national alternative strategy that rejects Oslo and its representatives.
For its part, Jihad movement stated that the return of talks between Palestinian and Israeli occupation authorities is only an attempt to mislead and cover the Palestinian people’s suffering.
The Palestinian people's party, for its part, stressed its rejection to resume talks under American mediation without achieving the Palestinian demands mainly stopping Israeli settlement construction, the establishment of Palestinian state on 1967-borders, the liberation of all Palestinian prisoners, and the commitment to the UN resolutions.
The DFLP called for sticking to the national basic demands including stopping settlement construction, prisoners' release and rejecting the Israeli and American pressures.
The Democratic Front expressed rejection of peace negotiations in light of the Israeli ongoing and escalated settlement schemes on Palestinian lands, stressing the invalidity of any peace talks without the achievement of Palestinian national aims.
For its part, Hamas movement has called on PA president Mahmoud Abbas to step back from his decision to resume talks that only serve the Israeli occupation.
Spokesman for the movement, Sami Abu Zahri stated that Abbas's decision to resume negotiations does not represent the will of the Palestinian people.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) has launched a mass public campaign to bring down the Oslo agreement, to restore legitimacy to the Palestinian people as the source of resolution and all legitimacy.
Omar Shehadeh, member of the Political Bureau of the PFLP, stated that Sunday protest against negotiations in Ramallah is the beginning of a popular movement in the West Bank, Gaza, the occupied lands of 48, the camps and the Diaspora, to restore national unity on the basis of a national alternative strategy that rejects Oslo and its representatives.
For its part, Jihad movement stated that the return of talks between Palestinian and Israeli occupation authorities is only an attempt to mislead and cover the Palestinian people’s suffering.
The Palestinian people's party, for its part, stressed its rejection to resume talks under American mediation without achieving the Palestinian demands mainly stopping Israeli settlement construction, the establishment of Palestinian state on 1967-borders, the liberation of all Palestinian prisoners, and the commitment to the UN resolutions.
By Muki Najaer / PNN
Israeli negotiator Tzipi Livni suggested on Thursday July 18th during President Shimon Peres' 'Facing Tomorrow' conference that Palestinians stop using the word ‘Nakba’. Nakba, or ‘catastrophe’ in Arabic, refers to the plight of Palestinian Arabs starting in 1948, displacement and murder of tens of thousands of Palestinians. The Nakba is marked by the start of Israel’s occupation in 1948 –also considered the moment of the Israeli state’s independence.
Livni said, "the Palestinians could celebrate Independence Day if they would erase the word 'Nakba' from their vocabulary.” Her insensitive assertion suggests that Israel’s continued occupation of Palestine would end, if only Palestinians forgot about their history.
Livni’s remark is not the first of this kind. In a 2007 address to the Annapolis Conference she said, “Not every celebration of ours is cause for sorrow on the other side, and vice versa. I say to my Palestinian colleagues: Do not bemoan the establishment of the State of Israel; establish your own state,” thereby diminishing the actions of the Israeli state against Palestinians for the last 65 years. She went on to say, “The establishment of the Palestinian state is not our Nakba, or disaster - provided that upon its establishment the word “Nakba” be deleted from the Arabic lexicon in referring to Israel,” as if partition is comparable to the occupation and destruction of Palestinian land and sovereignty for six and a half decades.
Livni’s suggestions to eradicate the word ‘Nakba’ in reference to the Israeli state's long lived history of oppressing Palestinians has caused internet controversy, with some interpreting her remark as an attempt to give Israel a clean slate. I am left wondering: How would Livni and other Israeli’s feel about their freedom hinging on the eradication of the word ‘Holocaust’? While comparing the Nakba to the Holocaust is highly contested, that debate misses the point: As a peace negotiator, Livni’s remarks invalidate generations of Palestinians’ experiences of oppression.
Israeli negotiator Tzipi Livni suggested on Thursday July 18th during President Shimon Peres' 'Facing Tomorrow' conference that Palestinians stop using the word ‘Nakba’. Nakba, or ‘catastrophe’ in Arabic, refers to the plight of Palestinian Arabs starting in 1948, displacement and murder of tens of thousands of Palestinians. The Nakba is marked by the start of Israel’s occupation in 1948 –also considered the moment of the Israeli state’s independence.
Livni said, "the Palestinians could celebrate Independence Day if they would erase the word 'Nakba' from their vocabulary.” Her insensitive assertion suggests that Israel’s continued occupation of Palestine would end, if only Palestinians forgot about their history.
Livni’s remark is not the first of this kind. In a 2007 address to the Annapolis Conference she said, “Not every celebration of ours is cause for sorrow on the other side, and vice versa. I say to my Palestinian colleagues: Do not bemoan the establishment of the State of Israel; establish your own state,” thereby diminishing the actions of the Israeli state against Palestinians for the last 65 years. She went on to say, “The establishment of the Palestinian state is not our Nakba, or disaster - provided that upon its establishment the word “Nakba” be deleted from the Arabic lexicon in referring to Israel,” as if partition is comparable to the occupation and destruction of Palestinian land and sovereignty for six and a half decades.
Livni’s suggestions to eradicate the word ‘Nakba’ in reference to the Israeli state's long lived history of oppressing Palestinians has caused internet controversy, with some interpreting her remark as an attempt to give Israel a clean slate. I am left wondering: How would Livni and other Israeli’s feel about their freedom hinging on the eradication of the word ‘Holocaust’? While comparing the Nakba to the Holocaust is highly contested, that debate misses the point: As a peace negotiator, Livni’s remarks invalidate generations of Palestinians’ experiences of oppression.
Political bureau member of Hamas Ezzet al-Resheq said that Palestinian prisoners in Israeli occupation jails should not be exploited as bargaining chips. He criticized, in this respect, the PA negotiating team for the way it managed the issue of prisoners.
Resheq was speaking in a statement on his Facebook page commenting on the reported Israeli decision to free 104 prisoners as a step to go along with the resumption of negotiations with the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah.
He said that the liberation of prisoners as in the Wafa Al-Ahrar deal that humbled the Israeli arrogance was far better than the freedom of prisoners as means to resume negotiations that only serve the Israeli occupation’s schemes.
The Hamas leader recalled that the Wafa Al-Ahrar deal succeeded in liberating more than one thousand Palestinian prisoners in return for the release of captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.
Resheq was speaking in a statement on his Facebook page commenting on the reported Israeli decision to free 104 prisoners as a step to go along with the resumption of negotiations with the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah.
He said that the liberation of prisoners as in the Wafa Al-Ahrar deal that humbled the Israeli arrogance was far better than the freedom of prisoners as means to resume negotiations that only serve the Israeli occupation’s schemes.
The Hamas leader recalled that the Wafa Al-Ahrar deal succeeded in liberating more than one thousand Palestinian prisoners in return for the release of captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.
The Palestinian NGO network said it is deeply concerned about the Palestinian authority's decision to return to the negotiation table with the Israeli occupation. In a press release on Monday, the network, which include 133 member organizations, stated that the gravity of such a decision that it was taken without any commitment to the minimum requirements, most importantly, the establishment of a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders and the termination of settlement activities.
The network criticized the PA for its decision to backtrack on its intention to join international organizations including the international criminal court in exchange for its talks with the Israeli regime.
It also expressed its fears that the PA-Israeli negotiations would undermine the boycott campaign against Israel, which started to bear fruit following the decision of the European union to ban dealing with settlements and Israeli companies operating within 1967 borders.
"It is clear to all that the occupation state is persistent in building settlement units, expanding settlements, annexing lands and Judaizing Jerusalem despite its approval to resume the negotiations," the NGOs underscored.
The network criticized the PA for its decision to backtrack on its intention to join international organizations including the international criminal court in exchange for its talks with the Israeli regime.
It also expressed its fears that the PA-Israeli negotiations would undermine the boycott campaign against Israel, which started to bear fruit following the decision of the European union to ban dealing with settlements and Israeli companies operating within 1967 borders.
"It is clear to all that the occupation state is persistent in building settlement units, expanding settlements, annexing lands and Judaizing Jerusalem despite its approval to resume the negotiations," the NGOs underscored.
Abbas with interim Egyptian President Adli Mansour
As talks resume in Washington Palestinian president says 'In a final resolution, we would not see the presence of a single Israeli - civilian or soldier - on our lands'
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas laid out his vision on Monday for the final status of Israeli-Palestinian relations ahead of peace talks that have resumed in Washington for the first time in nearly three years.
Abbas said that no Israeli settlers or border forces could remain in a future Palestinian state and that Palestinians deem illegal all Jewish settlement building within the land occupied in the 1967 Middle East war.
The forceful statements appeared to challenge mediator US Secretary of State John Kerry's hopes that the terms of the talks, scheduled to begin Monday night over dinner, be kept secret.
"In a final resolution, we would not see the presence of a single Israeli - civilian or soldier - on our lands," Abbas said in a briefing to mostly Egyptian journalists.
"An international, multinational presence like in Sinai, Lebanon and Syria - we are with that," he said, referring to United Nations peacekeeping operations in those places.
He was in Cairo to meet with Egypt's interim president, Adli Mansour, nearly a month after the country's armed forces ousted his elected predecessor, Mohamed Morsi. He also discussed with senior Egyptian intelligence figures relations between the two governments and the easing of movement of goods and people between Egypt and the Gaza Strip.
Israel has previously said it wants to maintain a military presence in the West Bank at the border with Jordan to prevent any influx of weapons that could be used against it.
As talks resume in Washington Palestinian president says 'In a final resolution, we would not see the presence of a single Israeli - civilian or soldier - on our lands'
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas laid out his vision on Monday for the final status of Israeli-Palestinian relations ahead of peace talks that have resumed in Washington for the first time in nearly three years.
Abbas said that no Israeli settlers or border forces could remain in a future Palestinian state and that Palestinians deem illegal all Jewish settlement building within the land occupied in the 1967 Middle East war.
The forceful statements appeared to challenge mediator US Secretary of State John Kerry's hopes that the terms of the talks, scheduled to begin Monday night over dinner, be kept secret.
"In a final resolution, we would not see the presence of a single Israeli - civilian or soldier - on our lands," Abbas said in a briefing to mostly Egyptian journalists.
"An international, multinational presence like in Sinai, Lebanon and Syria - we are with that," he said, referring to United Nations peacekeeping operations in those places.
He was in Cairo to meet with Egypt's interim president, Adli Mansour, nearly a month after the country's armed forces ousted his elected predecessor, Mohamed Morsi. He also discussed with senior Egyptian intelligence figures relations between the two governments and the easing of movement of goods and people between Egypt and the Gaza Strip.
Israel has previously said it wants to maintain a military presence in the West Bank at the border with Jordan to prevent any influx of weapons that could be used against it.
Peace talks resume in Washington
But Abbas said he stood by understandings he said he reached with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, predecessor to more right-wing leader Benjamin Netanyahu, that NATO forces could deploy there "as a security guarantee to us and them."
The United States is seeking to broker an agreement on a two-state solution in which Israel would exist peacefully alongside a new Palestinian state created in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, lands occupied by the Israelis since a 1967 war.
The talks will be conducted by senior aides to Netanyahu - Israeli Justice Minister Tzipi Livni and Yitzhak Molcho - and to Abbas - represented by Saeb Erekat and Mohammed Ishtyeh.
On the future of Jewish settlements on the West Bank and the status of Jerusalem - among the most contentious issues facing the two sides - Abbas signaled no softening of his stance.
"We've already made all the necessary concessions," he said.
"East Jerusalem is the capital of the state of Palestine ... if there were and must be some kind of small exchange (of land) equal in size and value, we are ready to discuss this - no more, no less," he said.
Terms of reference
Before agreeing to return to talks last week, Palestinian officials were adamant that negotiations should have three main prerequisites: the release of veteran Arab prisoners in Israeli jails, a full settlement freeze and an acknowledgment of the 1967 lines as the basis for future borders.
Israel has publicly granted only one of those demands when its Cabinet on Sunday voted by a slim margin to approve the phased release of 104 Arab prisoners.
Abbas said on Monday that he refused to endorse any half-measure whereby he would let Israel freeze construction in smaller, more far-flung settlements but allow it to build in the larger and more populous "blocs" closer to the 1967 lines.
"There was a request, 'We'll only build here, what do you think?' If I agreed, I would legitimize all the rest (of the settlements). I said no. I said out loud and in writing that, to us, settlements in their entirety are illegitimate."
Asked if the Americans may try to get Israel to agree to a de facto settlement freeze, the president made a broad smile and declined to answer: "I don't know."
Palestinian sources say officials remain uncomfortable with the lack of a firm Israeli commitment, publicly or behind closed doors, to meet their remaining expectations.
They say that in talks in the coming days, the Americans hope to satisfy Palestinian objections by issuing a statement declaring the 1967 lines the basis for negotiations, and the United States will attempt to compel the Israelis to endorse their note.
Israeli officials have in public repeatedly refused to accede to the Palestinian demands, calling them preconditions on issues that must be agreed at the end, not the start, of talks.
Senior aide to the president Tayyeb Abdul Rahim, accompanying Abbas, told Reuters: "We're between two opinions: should Israel agree to stop building settlements, or should they agree to a state on the 1967 borders to go back to talks.
"What's stronger? (The second) means that all settlements are illegitimate. America is convinced of our point of view ... Israel has not yet agreed to a state on the 1967 lines, but it will go to the talks on that basis."
Related
But Abbas said he stood by understandings he said he reached with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, predecessor to more right-wing leader Benjamin Netanyahu, that NATO forces could deploy there "as a security guarantee to us and them."
The United States is seeking to broker an agreement on a two-state solution in which Israel would exist peacefully alongside a new Palestinian state created in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, lands occupied by the Israelis since a 1967 war.
The talks will be conducted by senior aides to Netanyahu - Israeli Justice Minister Tzipi Livni and Yitzhak Molcho - and to Abbas - represented by Saeb Erekat and Mohammed Ishtyeh.
On the future of Jewish settlements on the West Bank and the status of Jerusalem - among the most contentious issues facing the two sides - Abbas signaled no softening of his stance.
"We've already made all the necessary concessions," he said.
"East Jerusalem is the capital of the state of Palestine ... if there were and must be some kind of small exchange (of land) equal in size and value, we are ready to discuss this - no more, no less," he said.
Terms of reference
Before agreeing to return to talks last week, Palestinian officials were adamant that negotiations should have three main prerequisites: the release of veteran Arab prisoners in Israeli jails, a full settlement freeze and an acknowledgment of the 1967 lines as the basis for future borders.
Israel has publicly granted only one of those demands when its Cabinet on Sunday voted by a slim margin to approve the phased release of 104 Arab prisoners.
Abbas said on Monday that he refused to endorse any half-measure whereby he would let Israel freeze construction in smaller, more far-flung settlements but allow it to build in the larger and more populous "blocs" closer to the 1967 lines.
"There was a request, 'We'll only build here, what do you think?' If I agreed, I would legitimize all the rest (of the settlements). I said no. I said out loud and in writing that, to us, settlements in their entirety are illegitimate."
Asked if the Americans may try to get Israel to agree to a de facto settlement freeze, the president made a broad smile and declined to answer: "I don't know."
Palestinian sources say officials remain uncomfortable with the lack of a firm Israeli commitment, publicly or behind closed doors, to meet their remaining expectations.
They say that in talks in the coming days, the Americans hope to satisfy Palestinian objections by issuing a statement declaring the 1967 lines the basis for negotiations, and the United States will attempt to compel the Israelis to endorse their note.
Israeli officials have in public repeatedly refused to accede to the Palestinian demands, calling them preconditions on issues that must be agreed at the end, not the start, of talks.
Senior aide to the president Tayyeb Abdul Rahim, accompanying Abbas, told Reuters: "We're between two opinions: should Israel agree to stop building settlements, or should they agree to a state on the 1967 borders to go back to talks.
"What's stronger? (The second) means that all settlements are illegitimate. America is convinced of our point of view ... Israel has not yet agreed to a state on the 1967 lines, but it will go to the talks on that basis."
Related
Secretary-General of the Palestinian National Initiative, Dr. Mustafa Barghouthi, stated that Israel is trying to use the issue of releasing some Palestinian political prisoners to politically blackmail the Palestinians to resume direct negotiations.
Barghouthi said that the Israeli decision to release 104 detainees as a “gesture of good will” is not an act of kindness but an overdue responsibility that was supposed to be carried out 20 years ago.
“This release is 20 years late, years lost behind bars”, Barghouthi stated, “They were supposed to be release in 1993 when the first Oslo Agreement was signed between Israel and the Palestinian Liberation Organization”.
He also said that the Israeli decision is vague and loaded with traps, as Israel conditions the gradual release of those detainees with the progress of peace talks.
“Israeli Minister of Justice, Tzipi Livni, said that the gradual release depends on progress of direct talks”, Barghouthi said, “This means Israel is blackmailing the Palestinians in order to oblige them to provide concessions”.
The Palestinian official also said that the legitimate Palestinian struggle for liberation and independence is the struggle of more than 4800 detainees.
“Those detainees sacrificed their freedom for the freedom of their people, not for partial agreements”, he added, “What is happening now is very serious, direct talks are about to resume while Israel continues its illegal settlement activities, and ongoing with its violations against the Palestinians and their lands”.
He also said that Israel is performing its old tactics of using direct talks to cover-up its illegal settlement construction and expansion activities, and without any intention to stop its invasions, violations and assaults.
Barghouthi said that the Israeli decision to release 104 detainees as a “gesture of good will” is not an act of kindness but an overdue responsibility that was supposed to be carried out 20 years ago.
“This release is 20 years late, years lost behind bars”, Barghouthi stated, “They were supposed to be release in 1993 when the first Oslo Agreement was signed between Israel and the Palestinian Liberation Organization”.
He also said that the Israeli decision is vague and loaded with traps, as Israel conditions the gradual release of those detainees with the progress of peace talks.
“Israeli Minister of Justice, Tzipi Livni, said that the gradual release depends on progress of direct talks”, Barghouthi said, “This means Israel is blackmailing the Palestinians in order to oblige them to provide concessions”.
The Palestinian official also said that the legitimate Palestinian struggle for liberation and independence is the struggle of more than 4800 detainees.
“Those detainees sacrificed their freedom for the freedom of their people, not for partial agreements”, he added, “What is happening now is very serious, direct talks are about to resume while Israel continues its illegal settlement activities, and ongoing with its violations against the Palestinians and their lands”.
He also said that Israel is performing its old tactics of using direct talks to cover-up its illegal settlement construction and expansion activities, and without any intention to stop its invasions, violations and assaults.
Settlements
Israeli TV, Channel 10, has reported that, despite an Israeli decision to release 104 Palestinian detainees and resume direct negotiations with the Palestinians, the Israeli Housing Ministry approved a new settlement “neighborhood” in the heart of occupied East Jerusalem.
Direct peace talks, mediated by the United States, are supposed to start on Monday evening.
Channel 10 said that Israeli Housing Minister, Uri Ariel, approved the plan, and added that various Israeli political analysts believe this decision is a sharp blow to efforts to resume and maintain direct talks.
The plan was first presented by the Israeli “Construction and Planning Committee” in 2004, but the application was voided because the planned constructions have high walls that violate the construction code of the Jerusalem City Council.
Nevertheless, the plan was resubmitted and was approved by the City Council, and the constructions are planned to be built on five Dunams of lands in the occupied city.
Although the P.A expressed rejection to the plan, it seems to be determined to hold the first session of direct talks with Israel on Monday.
Direct talks have been obstructed since September of 2009 when a temporary settlement freeze expired and Israel started massive constructions.
Israel’s illegal settlement activities violate International Law and the Fourth Geneva Convention to which it is a signatory. Settlements were one of the main reasons that obstructed direct talks.
Settlements are spread across the occupied West Bank and Jerusalem; they along with the Annexation Wall are turning the Palestinians communities into isolated cantons.
The occupied West Bank is 5655 square/kilometers long, and 40-65 kilometers in width, while the Gaza Strip is 365 square/kilometers, 45 kilometers longs and 5-12 kilometers in width. The total size of the Palestinian territory is 6020 square/kilometers.
Israel was established in 1948 on about %78 of historic Palestine, then after the war of 1967, Israel imposed its military occupation on the rest of Palestine and started building and expanding Jewish settlements considering them part of the state.
Areas that the P.A “control” are around 210 square/kilometers, divided and largely surrounded in the West Bank by settlements and the Wall.
Israeli TV, Channel 10, has reported that, despite an Israeli decision to release 104 Palestinian detainees and resume direct negotiations with the Palestinians, the Israeli Housing Ministry approved a new settlement “neighborhood” in the heart of occupied East Jerusalem.
Direct peace talks, mediated by the United States, are supposed to start on Monday evening.
Channel 10 said that Israeli Housing Minister, Uri Ariel, approved the plan, and added that various Israeli political analysts believe this decision is a sharp blow to efforts to resume and maintain direct talks.
The plan was first presented by the Israeli “Construction and Planning Committee” in 2004, but the application was voided because the planned constructions have high walls that violate the construction code of the Jerusalem City Council.
Nevertheless, the plan was resubmitted and was approved by the City Council, and the constructions are planned to be built on five Dunams of lands in the occupied city.
Although the P.A expressed rejection to the plan, it seems to be determined to hold the first session of direct talks with Israel on Monday.
Direct talks have been obstructed since September of 2009 when a temporary settlement freeze expired and Israel started massive constructions.
Israel’s illegal settlement activities violate International Law and the Fourth Geneva Convention to which it is a signatory. Settlements were one of the main reasons that obstructed direct talks.
Settlements are spread across the occupied West Bank and Jerusalem; they along with the Annexation Wall are turning the Palestinians communities into isolated cantons.
The occupied West Bank is 5655 square/kilometers long, and 40-65 kilometers in width, while the Gaza Strip is 365 square/kilometers, 45 kilometers longs and 5-12 kilometers in width. The total size of the Palestinian territory is 6020 square/kilometers.
Israel was established in 1948 on about %78 of historic Palestine, then after the war of 1967, Israel imposed its military occupation on the rest of Palestine and started building and expanding Jewish settlements considering them part of the state.
Areas that the P.A “control” are around 210 square/kilometers, divided and largely surrounded in the West Bank by settlements and the Wall.
29 july 2013
Some racist groups in the city of Jerusalem distributed enticing brochures targeting veteran prisoners on Sunday amid considering the release of some prisoners (pre-Oslo prisoners).
The Jerusalemites detainees and prisoners families committee said that the brochure which was titled “we killed….they released us” included the pictures of some veteran prisoners talking about themselves being killers and will now be released. Meanwhile, pictures for Egyptians with beards were also included but had names of Palestinian prisoners and at the top of the brochure was a green banner saying “No God but Allah”; the bottom was in red referring to blood and said “we won’t go crazy” in Hebrew and “we won’t release terrorists” and on the other side of the brochure were pictures of handicapped people who were killed by resisters. The brochure was signed by Terror Victims Association.
Among the pictures that were in the brochure was the picture of the dean of prisoners Karim Younes, Maher Younes, Salem Ali Abu Mousa, Yassin Abu Khdeir and others.
The Jerusalemites detainees and prisoners families committee said that the brochure which was titled “we killed….they released us” included the pictures of some veteran prisoners talking about themselves being killers and will now be released. Meanwhile, pictures for Egyptians with beards were also included but had names of Palestinian prisoners and at the top of the brochure was a green banner saying “No God but Allah”; the bottom was in red referring to blood and said “we won’t go crazy” in Hebrew and “we won’t release terrorists” and on the other side of the brochure were pictures of handicapped people who were killed by resisters. The brochure was signed by Terror Victims Association.
Among the pictures that were in the brochure was the picture of the dean of prisoners Karim Younes, Maher Younes, Salem Ali Abu Mousa, Yassin Abu Khdeir and others.
"Not worried about a disengagement." The Stern family
Israel is about to resume negotiations with Palestinians, but construction in West Bank continues unabated as demand for housing rises. Yaacov and Rachel Cohen are about to move to settlement of Bat Ayin: future evacuation, they say, is not a consideration
Aviva and Jeremy Stern, along with their three children, relocated last week straight from New York to the West Bank. The decision to move was made in the backdrop of efforts to restart peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, the result of which may well be the forced evacuation of settlements such as their new home - Efrat.
But the Sterns are not alone: While Washington, Ramallah and Jerusalem are gearing to resume peace talks after a three-year stalemate, a rise in demand for housing in the territories has been reported as well as the and arrival of new settlers.
Aviva Stern is not worried about the possibility of disengagement from the territories: "It's not something we took under consideration when we decided to move here, and it's not a concern for us at the moment," she said.
"We always knew we'd live in Israel, and after seeing Efrat and the kind of community here, we decided that this is home." Asked if the family had any general concerns about the move, Stern said, "Maybe a few years ago there were people who were worried about the situation in Israel, which seems much more turbulent when you look at it from America. But here it's peaceful, and everyone is calm."
'Don't believe the rumors'
Yaacov, 47, and Rachel, 43, Cohen are planning to move from the community of Nof Ayalon in centeral Israel to Bat-Ayin, a settlement in Gush Etzion. "When we came here from America we believed and still do that Israel is our home," the couple explains. "There were always painful sacrifices and doubts, but we really trust that we are moving to a place that is ours, and that we will stay here for good."
Israel is about to resume negotiations with Palestinians, but construction in West Bank continues unabated as demand for housing rises. Yaacov and Rachel Cohen are about to move to settlement of Bat Ayin: future evacuation, they say, is not a consideration
Aviva and Jeremy Stern, along with their three children, relocated last week straight from New York to the West Bank. The decision to move was made in the backdrop of efforts to restart peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, the result of which may well be the forced evacuation of settlements such as their new home - Efrat.
But the Sterns are not alone: While Washington, Ramallah and Jerusalem are gearing to resume peace talks after a three-year stalemate, a rise in demand for housing in the territories has been reported as well as the and arrival of new settlers.
Aviva Stern is not worried about the possibility of disengagement from the territories: "It's not something we took under consideration when we decided to move here, and it's not a concern for us at the moment," she said.
"We always knew we'd live in Israel, and after seeing Efrat and the kind of community here, we decided that this is home." Asked if the family had any general concerns about the move, Stern said, "Maybe a few years ago there were people who were worried about the situation in Israel, which seems much more turbulent when you look at it from America. But here it's peaceful, and everyone is calm."
'Don't believe the rumors'
Yaacov, 47, and Rachel, 43, Cohen are planning to move from the community of Nof Ayalon in centeral Israel to Bat-Ayin, a settlement in Gush Etzion. "When we came here from America we believed and still do that Israel is our home," the couple explains. "There were always painful sacrifices and doubts, but we really trust that we are moving to a place that is ours, and that we will stay here for good."
Moving to Alei Zahav. The Greenbaums
The Cohens were drawn to Bat-Ayin's open spaces, quiet, and tight knit community, all at an affordable cost. "There's nowhere else in Israel that could provide us with this quality of life at this price," they say. "The possibility of a future disengagement never crossed our minds. We believe it won't happen."
Another couple, Hai and Meirav Greenbaum, are preparing to move to the village of Alei Zahav in the West Bank - an even more volatile location, having been deemed by the Palestinians as outside the settlement blocks Israel wishes to retain. The Greenbaums are concerned with the possibility of a future forced evacuation and the loss of any funds they invest in their new home, but are resolute in their decision to move: "We are people of faith, and the issue is not personal but one that concerns the entire Jewish people," Meirav states. "As far as we are concerned, Alei Zahav is a place that should be settled. And we're going to settle there."
The Cohens were drawn to Bat-Ayin's open spaces, quiet, and tight knit community, all at an affordable cost. "There's nowhere else in Israel that could provide us with this quality of life at this price," they say. "The possibility of a future disengagement never crossed our minds. We believe it won't happen."
Another couple, Hai and Meirav Greenbaum, are preparing to move to the village of Alei Zahav in the West Bank - an even more volatile location, having been deemed by the Palestinians as outside the settlement blocks Israel wishes to retain. The Greenbaums are concerned with the possibility of a future forced evacuation and the loss of any funds they invest in their new home, but are resolute in their decision to move: "We are people of faith, and the issue is not personal but one that concerns the entire Jewish people," Meirav states. "As far as we are concerned, Alei Zahav is a place that should be settled. And we're going to settle there."
The Israeli and Palestinian delegations to renewed peace talks have agreed in principle to continue negotiations for at least nine months, the US State Department said Monday.
"They have all agreed to focus on having talks not just for the sake of talks, but this is the beginning of direct final status negotiations on a nine-month, at least a nine-month, timetable," Spokeswoman Jen Psaki said.
"They have agreed to work together through the course of that time," she added, speaking as the delegations arrived in Washington ahead of a dinner to mark the resumption of talks.
The United States invited the parties to a new round of talks in order to revive the stalled peace process, which last came to a halt in September 2010.
Psaki said the nine-month window was "not a deadline."
"This is an agreement that they will work together for at least that time period on this effort," she said.
"So we're going to make every effort to reach an agreement within that time frame, but again, if we're making progress and we're continuing to make progress, this is not a deadline."
"They have all agreed to focus on having talks not just for the sake of talks, but this is the beginning of direct final status negotiations on a nine-month, at least a nine-month, timetable," Spokeswoman Jen Psaki said.
"They have agreed to work together through the course of that time," she added, speaking as the delegations arrived in Washington ahead of a dinner to mark the resumption of talks.
The United States invited the parties to a new round of talks in order to revive the stalled peace process, which last came to a halt in September 2010.
Psaki said the nine-month window was "not a deadline."
"This is an agreement that they will work together for at least that time period on this effort," she said.
"So we're going to make every effort to reach an agreement within that time frame, but again, if we're making progress and we're continuing to make progress, this is not a deadline."
The United States on Monday urged Israelis and Palestinians to work in good faith and make "compromises" ahead of the first direct talks in three years chasing a long-elusive peace.
In a bid to shepherd months of tough negotiations that lie ahead, US Secretary of State John Kerry named seasoned diplomat Martin Indyk as the US special envoy to the talks.
The negotiations were to start later Monday with an iftar dinner hosted by Kerry with Israeli chief negotiator Tzipi Livni and her Palestinian counterpart Saeb Erekat.
President Barack Obama welcomed the imminent start of the talks, calling it a "promising step" forward but warning that "hard choices remain ahead."
"The most difficult work of these negotiations is ahead, and I am hopeful that both the Israelis and Palestinians will approach these talks in good faith," Obama said.
The United States was ready to support both sides "with the goal of achieving two states, living side by side in peace and security," Obama added.
Speaking just hours before the first face-to-face public meeting since September 2010, Kerry again praised the courage shown by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Mahmoud Abbas in agreeing to resume negotiations.
"Many difficult choices lie ahead for the negotiators and for the leaders as we seek reasonable compromises on tough, complicated, emotional and symbolic issues," he said.
"I think reasonable compromises has to be a keystone of all of this effort. I know the negotiations are going to be tough, but I also know that the consequences of not trying could be worse."
Indyk, 62, who has twice served as US ambassador to Israel and participated in the failed 2000 Camp David summit under then president Bill Clinton, said he was taking on "a daunting and humbling" challenge.
But he insisted: "It has been my conviction for 40 years that peace is possible."
The dream of a Middle East peace deal has for decades been a chimera chased by US presidents, but talks last collapsed in September 2010 amid deep distrust between the two sides.
Israel and the Palestinians remain deeply divided over so-called "final status issues" -- including the fate of Jerusalem, claimed by both as a capital, the right of return for Palestinian refugees, the borders of a future Palestinian state and the fate of dozens of Jewish settlements scattered across the occupied West Bank.
After months of dogged diplomacy, Kerry on his sixth trip to the region earlier in July wrested from both sides an accord setting out the basis for new negotiations.
He said Indyk had already won the respect of both sides in the conflict and that he "understands that there is now a path forward and we must follow that path with urgency."
But Livni, speaking after meeting UN chief Ban Ki-moon in New York, said the path ahead was "going to be very tough and problematic."
State Department officials said the first meetings would aim to set out the procedures for the talks, and although Kerry is believed to have set a timeline, it remains unknown how long it is, with reports speaking of six months to a year.
"The meeting is to define what will come next in the negotiations," Senior PLO official Hanan Ashrawi told AFP.
"There must be a timeline and commitment from both sides on what they'll agree about. We hope for something good."
As a first step, Israel said Sunday it would release 104 Palestinians imprisoned before the 1993 Oslo accords -- some of whom are said to have been involved in attacks on Israelis.
Erekat welcomed the Israeli move. "We consider this an important step and hope to be able to seize the opportunity provided by the American administration's efforts," he told AFP.
But Israeli media on Monday lashed out at the decision. "The murderers will go free," thundered the front-page headline in the top-selling daily Yediot Aharonot.
Jerusalem Post diplomatic correspondent Herb Keinon predicted these "murderers will be hailed as heroes in Hebron and Ramallah and Jenin," and urged Palestinians to show they are serious about peace by not celebrating their release.
Israeli President Shimon Peres, on a visit to Latvia, hailed the resumption of peace talks.
"We want to establish a two-state solution of a Palestinian state beside the state of Israel, living in peace and friendship and bringing an end to all conflict, which is so necessary today for all the people in the Middle East," he said.
"The Middle East is in a stormy situation. We hope the Middle East will overcome its storm and land in a port of peace."
In a bid to shepherd months of tough negotiations that lie ahead, US Secretary of State John Kerry named seasoned diplomat Martin Indyk as the US special envoy to the talks.
The negotiations were to start later Monday with an iftar dinner hosted by Kerry with Israeli chief negotiator Tzipi Livni and her Palestinian counterpart Saeb Erekat.
President Barack Obama welcomed the imminent start of the talks, calling it a "promising step" forward but warning that "hard choices remain ahead."
"The most difficult work of these negotiations is ahead, and I am hopeful that both the Israelis and Palestinians will approach these talks in good faith," Obama said.
The United States was ready to support both sides "with the goal of achieving two states, living side by side in peace and security," Obama added.
Speaking just hours before the first face-to-face public meeting since September 2010, Kerry again praised the courage shown by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Mahmoud Abbas in agreeing to resume negotiations.
"Many difficult choices lie ahead for the negotiators and for the leaders as we seek reasonable compromises on tough, complicated, emotional and symbolic issues," he said.
"I think reasonable compromises has to be a keystone of all of this effort. I know the negotiations are going to be tough, but I also know that the consequences of not trying could be worse."
Indyk, 62, who has twice served as US ambassador to Israel and participated in the failed 2000 Camp David summit under then president Bill Clinton, said he was taking on "a daunting and humbling" challenge.
But he insisted: "It has been my conviction for 40 years that peace is possible."
The dream of a Middle East peace deal has for decades been a chimera chased by US presidents, but talks last collapsed in September 2010 amid deep distrust between the two sides.
Israel and the Palestinians remain deeply divided over so-called "final status issues" -- including the fate of Jerusalem, claimed by both as a capital, the right of return for Palestinian refugees, the borders of a future Palestinian state and the fate of dozens of Jewish settlements scattered across the occupied West Bank.
After months of dogged diplomacy, Kerry on his sixth trip to the region earlier in July wrested from both sides an accord setting out the basis for new negotiations.
He said Indyk had already won the respect of both sides in the conflict and that he "understands that there is now a path forward and we must follow that path with urgency."
But Livni, speaking after meeting UN chief Ban Ki-moon in New York, said the path ahead was "going to be very tough and problematic."
State Department officials said the first meetings would aim to set out the procedures for the talks, and although Kerry is believed to have set a timeline, it remains unknown how long it is, with reports speaking of six months to a year.
"The meeting is to define what will come next in the negotiations," Senior PLO official Hanan Ashrawi told AFP.
"There must be a timeline and commitment from both sides on what they'll agree about. We hope for something good."
As a first step, Israel said Sunday it would release 104 Palestinians imprisoned before the 1993 Oslo accords -- some of whom are said to have been involved in attacks on Israelis.
Erekat welcomed the Israeli move. "We consider this an important step and hope to be able to seize the opportunity provided by the American administration's efforts," he told AFP.
But Israeli media on Monday lashed out at the decision. "The murderers will go free," thundered the front-page headline in the top-selling daily Yediot Aharonot.
Jerusalem Post diplomatic correspondent Herb Keinon predicted these "murderers will be hailed as heroes in Hebron and Ramallah and Jenin," and urged Palestinians to show they are serious about peace by not celebrating their release.
Israeli President Shimon Peres, on a visit to Latvia, hailed the resumption of peace talks.
"We want to establish a two-state solution of a Palestinian state beside the state of Israel, living in peace and friendship and bringing an end to all conflict, which is so necessary today for all the people in the Middle East," he said.
"The Middle East is in a stormy situation. We hope the Middle East will overcome its storm and land in a port of peace."
Israeli negotiator Tzipi Livni said Monday that peace talks with the Palestinians would be "very tough" but insisted they were necessary because of the growing troubles in the Middle East.
"It is going to be very tough and problematic," the Israeli justice minister told reporters after meeting UN leader Ban Ki-moon and before going to Washington for the start of preliminary talks.
Livni said Israel was "hopeful" about the US-brokered talks and said Palestinian prisoners would be released during the negotiations as agreed with the United States and the Palestinian leadership.
The peace effort is "a mutual interest for Israel, for the Palestinians, the Arab world, the international community," Livni said. "It is quite a responsibility. It is going to be complicated I am sure, but I believe that when we see our troubled region, what we can do is to change the future of generations to come by having peace between Israel and the Palestinians."
Livni said she was happy that US Secretary of State John Kerry had appointed a former ambassador to Israel, Martin Indyk as special envoy for the peace talks.
"I congratulate him," she said. "Well I don't know whether to congratulate him because it is going to be very tough and problematic but he is talented enough to face all these challenges and he is familiar with the conflict.
"I know that he is also quite enthusiastic to solve the conflict so we are going with him and are glad to work with him."
Livni said 104 Palestinian prisoners would be freed "during the talks as was agreed."
"We are going to implement our responsibilities according to the understandings with the United States and the Palestinians," she said.
The Israeli cabinet voted on Sunday to release the long term prisoners.
The UN leader "expressed his strong support for the resumption of credible negotiations to achieve the two-state solution and his appreciation for the recent courageous decision of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in this regard," said a UN spokesman.
"He stressed the importance of creating an environment conducive to the resumption of talks, and encouraged both sides to take further positive steps in this regard," the spokesman added.
Talks between Israel and the PLO have been frozen since September 2010. The Palestinians refused contacts after Israel refused to extend a moratorium on colonization in the occupied West Bank.
Kerry brokered the new talks during several months of pressing both sides.
"It is going to be very tough and problematic," the Israeli justice minister told reporters after meeting UN leader Ban Ki-moon and before going to Washington for the start of preliminary talks.
Livni said Israel was "hopeful" about the US-brokered talks and said Palestinian prisoners would be released during the negotiations as agreed with the United States and the Palestinian leadership.
The peace effort is "a mutual interest for Israel, for the Palestinians, the Arab world, the international community," Livni said. "It is quite a responsibility. It is going to be complicated I am sure, but I believe that when we see our troubled region, what we can do is to change the future of generations to come by having peace between Israel and the Palestinians."
Livni said she was happy that US Secretary of State John Kerry had appointed a former ambassador to Israel, Martin Indyk as special envoy for the peace talks.
"I congratulate him," she said. "Well I don't know whether to congratulate him because it is going to be very tough and problematic but he is talented enough to face all these challenges and he is familiar with the conflict.
"I know that he is also quite enthusiastic to solve the conflict so we are going with him and are glad to work with him."
Livni said 104 Palestinian prisoners would be freed "during the talks as was agreed."
"We are going to implement our responsibilities according to the understandings with the United States and the Palestinians," she said.
The Israeli cabinet voted on Sunday to release the long term prisoners.
The UN leader "expressed his strong support for the resumption of credible negotiations to achieve the two-state solution and his appreciation for the recent courageous decision of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in this regard," said a UN spokesman.
"He stressed the importance of creating an environment conducive to the resumption of talks, and encouraged both sides to take further positive steps in this regard," the spokesman added.
Talks between Israel and the PLO have been frozen since September 2010. The Palestinians refused contacts after Israel refused to extend a moratorium on colonization in the occupied West Bank.
Kerry brokered the new talks during several months of pressing both sides.
US President Barack Obama welcomed the imminent start of renewed peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians on Monday, but urged both sides to approach them with honesty.
"The most difficult work of these negotiations is ahead, and I am hopeful that both the Israelis and Palestinians will approach these talks in good faith," he said.
"The most difficult work of these negotiations is ahead, and I am hopeful that both the Israelis and Palestinians will approach these talks in good faith," he said.
Martin Indyk pictured at a conference in Sun Valley, Idaho.
US Secretary of State John Kerry on Monday named a former ambassador to Israel as America's special envoy to help shepherd new Middle East peace talks.
Just hours before Israeli and Palestinian negotiators were to resume talks frozen for three years, Kerry said Martin Indyk would take on the difficult task of trying to guide both sides to reach a full-fledged peace deal.
"It's no secret that this is a difficult process, if it were easy it would have happened a long time ago. It's no secret therefore that many difficult choices lie ahead for the negotiators and for the leaders as we seek reasonable compromises on tough, complicated and symbolic issues," Kerry said.
"I think reasonable compromises has to be a keystone of all of this effort," he told reporters.
"To help the parties navigate the path to peace and to avoid as many pitfalls we'll be very fortunate to have on our team on a day-to-day basis, working with the parties wherever they are negotiating, a seasoned American diplomat, ambassador Martin Indyk."
Indyk was to join the start of the talks later Monday, at an iftar dinner to be hosted by Kerry, before a full day of negotiations with Israeli chief negotiator Tzipi Livni and her Palestinian counterpart Saeb Erekat.
Kerry said Indyk had agreed to take on this task "at a critical time as the US special envoy for Israeli-Palestinian negotiations."
Indyk, 62, brought to the job "a deep appreciation for the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict" as well as a "deep appreciation for the art of US diplomacy in the Middle East," he added.
Born in London in 1951 before moving to Australia as a child, Indyk later emigrated to the US and gained citizenship in 1993
He came to the US in 1983, and was recruited to be a member of the main pro-Israel lobby group the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.
He was founding director of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy in 1985 where he stayed for eight years.
In 1993 he was named then president Bill Clinton's special assistant for the Middle East on the National Security Council.
Indyk served twice as US ambassador to Israel from 1995-1997 and from 2000-2001, during which time he participated in Clinton's failed Camp David summit meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.
To join Kerry's peace initiative, Indyk will be taking leave from his current position as vice president and director of the foreign policy program at the well respected Brookings Institution think-tank.
Standing alongside Kerry at the State Department, Indyk said his new role was "a daunting and humbling challenge but one I can not desist from."
"It has been my conviction for 40 years that peace is possible," Indyk said.
"Because of your confidence that it could be done," Indyk told Kerry, "you took up the challenge when most people thought you were on a mission impossible."
Kerry appoints former pro-Israel lobbyist to oversee peace talks
On Monday [July 29], US Secretary of State John Kerry named Martin Indyk as the administration’s special envoy for Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. Indyk, 62, who is Jewish, has worked for AIPAC, a pro-Israel lobby group, and he helped found the Washington Institute for Near East Policy (WINEP), a think tank that has been critisied for being a part of the pro-Israel lobby.
During the 1973 Yom Kippur War, Indyk volunteered in a kibbutz, then moved to America and in 1982 started his career as a deputy research director for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), a powerful pro-Israel lobby group based in Washington DC. He then went on to found the Washington Institute for Near East Policy (WINEP), an offshoot of AIPAC, in 1985.
According to his biography on The Brookings Institution’s website, “Indyk served as special assistant to President Clinton and senior director for Near East and South Asian affairs at the National Security Council (1993-1995) and as assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern affairs in the U.S. Department of State (1997-2000).”
Former United States president Bill Clinton appointed Indyk to serve as the US ambassador to Israel from 1995-1997, and he held this ambassadorial position again from 2000-2001 when he was involved in the failed Camp David peace talks. In order to assume his role as special envoy for Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, Indyk has taken a leave of absence from his current position as vice president and director of the foreign policy program at the Washington-based Brookings Institution think tank.
Indyk’s history of working with pro-Israel organizations has raised concerns about his ability to impartially oversee the renewed peace talks, and to work towards a solution that would see Israel abide by its obligations under international and human rights law.
US Secretary of State John Kerry on Monday named a former ambassador to Israel as America's special envoy to help shepherd new Middle East peace talks.
Just hours before Israeli and Palestinian negotiators were to resume talks frozen for three years, Kerry said Martin Indyk would take on the difficult task of trying to guide both sides to reach a full-fledged peace deal.
"It's no secret that this is a difficult process, if it were easy it would have happened a long time ago. It's no secret therefore that many difficult choices lie ahead for the negotiators and for the leaders as we seek reasonable compromises on tough, complicated and symbolic issues," Kerry said.
"I think reasonable compromises has to be a keystone of all of this effort," he told reporters.
"To help the parties navigate the path to peace and to avoid as many pitfalls we'll be very fortunate to have on our team on a day-to-day basis, working with the parties wherever they are negotiating, a seasoned American diplomat, ambassador Martin Indyk."
Indyk was to join the start of the talks later Monday, at an iftar dinner to be hosted by Kerry, before a full day of negotiations with Israeli chief negotiator Tzipi Livni and her Palestinian counterpart Saeb Erekat.
Kerry said Indyk had agreed to take on this task "at a critical time as the US special envoy for Israeli-Palestinian negotiations."
Indyk, 62, brought to the job "a deep appreciation for the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict" as well as a "deep appreciation for the art of US diplomacy in the Middle East," he added.
Born in London in 1951 before moving to Australia as a child, Indyk later emigrated to the US and gained citizenship in 1993
He came to the US in 1983, and was recruited to be a member of the main pro-Israel lobby group the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.
He was founding director of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy in 1985 where he stayed for eight years.
In 1993 he was named then president Bill Clinton's special assistant for the Middle East on the National Security Council.
Indyk served twice as US ambassador to Israel from 1995-1997 and from 2000-2001, during which time he participated in Clinton's failed Camp David summit meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.
To join Kerry's peace initiative, Indyk will be taking leave from his current position as vice president and director of the foreign policy program at the well respected Brookings Institution think-tank.
Standing alongside Kerry at the State Department, Indyk said his new role was "a daunting and humbling challenge but one I can not desist from."
"It has been my conviction for 40 years that peace is possible," Indyk said.
"Because of your confidence that it could be done," Indyk told Kerry, "you took up the challenge when most people thought you were on a mission impossible."
Kerry appoints former pro-Israel lobbyist to oversee peace talks
On Monday [July 29], US Secretary of State John Kerry named Martin Indyk as the administration’s special envoy for Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. Indyk, 62, who is Jewish, has worked for AIPAC, a pro-Israel lobby group, and he helped found the Washington Institute for Near East Policy (WINEP), a think tank that has been critisied for being a part of the pro-Israel lobby.
During the 1973 Yom Kippur War, Indyk volunteered in a kibbutz, then moved to America and in 1982 started his career as a deputy research director for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), a powerful pro-Israel lobby group based in Washington DC. He then went on to found the Washington Institute for Near East Policy (WINEP), an offshoot of AIPAC, in 1985.
According to his biography on The Brookings Institution’s website, “Indyk served as special assistant to President Clinton and senior director for Near East and South Asian affairs at the National Security Council (1993-1995) and as assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern affairs in the U.S. Department of State (1997-2000).”
Former United States president Bill Clinton appointed Indyk to serve as the US ambassador to Israel from 1995-1997, and he held this ambassadorial position again from 2000-2001 when he was involved in the failed Camp David peace talks. In order to assume his role as special envoy for Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, Indyk has taken a leave of absence from his current position as vice president and director of the foreign policy program at the Washington-based Brookings Institution think tank.
Indyk’s history of working with pro-Israel organizations has raised concerns about his ability to impartially oversee the renewed peace talks, and to work towards a solution that would see Israel abide by its obligations under international and human rights law.
Khalida Jarrar, a leader of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, in Ramallah.
The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine rejected new peace talks with Israel just hours before their scheduled resumption in Washington on Monday after a three-year break.
The leftist PFLP, a major faction of the Palestine Liberation Organization, said that talks' resumption was a unilateral move by President Mahmoud Abbas which did not have the backing of the PLO as a whole.
"The PFLP is against a return to negotiations," said one of the party's leaders, Khalida Jarrar.
"It is an individual move," she said, in allusion to Abbas.
"These talks will be presided over by the United States, just like Oslo 20 years ago," she said of the negotiations that led up to the 1993 accords for limited self-rule.
"We went to the UN precisely to take our case out of US hands."
The last was a reference to the PLO's successful bid for upgraded status at the United Nations last November, which was strongly opposed by both Israel and the United States.
Washington was to host preliminary talks later on Monday between PLO chief negotiator Saeb Erekat and his Israeli counterpart, Justice Minister Tzipi Livni.
The last round of direct negotiations between the two sides broke down in September 2010 just weeks after they started.
US Secretary of State John Kerry visited the region six times in as many months to broker the resumption of negotiations.
The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine rejected new peace talks with Israel just hours before their scheduled resumption in Washington on Monday after a three-year break.
The leftist PFLP, a major faction of the Palestine Liberation Organization, said that talks' resumption was a unilateral move by President Mahmoud Abbas which did not have the backing of the PLO as a whole.
"The PFLP is against a return to negotiations," said one of the party's leaders, Khalida Jarrar.
"It is an individual move," she said, in allusion to Abbas.
"These talks will be presided over by the United States, just like Oslo 20 years ago," she said of the negotiations that led up to the 1993 accords for limited self-rule.
"We went to the UN precisely to take our case out of US hands."
The last was a reference to the PLO's successful bid for upgraded status at the United Nations last November, which was strongly opposed by both Israel and the United States.
Washington was to host preliminary talks later on Monday between PLO chief negotiator Saeb Erekat and his Israeli counterpart, Justice Minister Tzipi Livni.
The last round of direct negotiations between the two sides broke down in September 2010 just weeks after they started.
US Secretary of State John Kerry visited the region six times in as many months to broker the resumption of negotiations.
President Mahmoud Abbas will arrive in Egypt on Monday for a brief visit, the first such trip since the military overthrew Islamist President Mohamed Mursi on July 3.
The visit is likely to last only a matter of hours, presidential spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh said.
Abbas will be accompanied by a delegation of senior Palestinian officials and will discuss the peace process and the situation for Palestinians in Gaza, including conditions at the Rafah crossing.
The president will also discuss bilateral relations with Egyptian officials, PA ambassador to Cairo Barakat al-Fara said.
The situation is "not suitable" to meet with Hamas officials in Egypt, al-Fara added.
Abbas stressed that Palestinians are neutral in Egyptian affairs.
The attorney-general in the Hamas-run government on Thursday ordered the closure of the Ma'an News Agency and Al-Arabiya TV bureaus in Gaza.
A Hamas official told AFP that the attorney-general closed Al-Arabiya's office "for distributing false news regarding the smear campaign against Hamas and Gaza about what's happening in Egypt."
On Friday, Egypt's state prosecutor ordered that ousted President Mohamed Mursi be detained for questioning over suspected collaboration with Hamas, official MENA news agency reported.
The visit is likely to last only a matter of hours, presidential spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh said.
Abbas will be accompanied by a delegation of senior Palestinian officials and will discuss the peace process and the situation for Palestinians in Gaza, including conditions at the Rafah crossing.
The president will also discuss bilateral relations with Egyptian officials, PA ambassador to Cairo Barakat al-Fara said.
The situation is "not suitable" to meet with Hamas officials in Egypt, al-Fara added.
Abbas stressed that Palestinians are neutral in Egyptian affairs.
The attorney-general in the Hamas-run government on Thursday ordered the closure of the Ma'an News Agency and Al-Arabiya TV bureaus in Gaza.
A Hamas official told AFP that the attorney-general closed Al-Arabiya's office "for distributing false news regarding the smear campaign against Hamas and Gaza about what's happening in Egypt."
On Friday, Egypt's state prosecutor ordered that ousted President Mohamed Mursi be detained for questioning over suspected collaboration with Hamas, official MENA news agency reported.
Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) strongly condemned the PA forces' attack on MP Khalida Jarrar after her participation on Sunday in a protest against resumption of talks in Ramallah. Dr. Ahmed Bahar, PLC First Deputy Chairman, said in a press statement on Monday that PA forces' attack constitutes a serious violation of the parliamentary immunity enjoyed by PLC members.
This attack clearly reflects the PA forces and police's disrespect for the constitutional laws, he pointed out.
He confirmed that the PA forces' attack on MP Jarar proves the PA's disregard of public and private freedoms in West Bank including freedom of expression.
Dr. Bahr called on Palestinian factional and human rights organizations and civil society institutions to condemn and expose PA brutal and arbitrary policy against Palestinian MPs and people.
This attack clearly reflects the PA forces and police's disrespect for the constitutional laws, he pointed out.
He confirmed that the PA forces' attack on MP Jarar proves the PA's disregard of public and private freedoms in West Bank including freedom of expression.
Dr. Bahr called on Palestinian factional and human rights organizations and civil society institutions to condemn and expose PA brutal and arbitrary policy against Palestinian MPs and people.
The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) strongly condemned PA police and security forces’ suppression to protesters in Ramallah against resumption of talks. PA suppression of peaceful demonstration contrasts with the Palestinian national institutions, including the PLO Central Council and reflects a culture of recklessness, irresponsibility, lack of accountability, and disregard for the law and the national norms of our people, PFLP said in a statement issued on Sunday.
The PFLP demanded to prosecute those responsible for this violence against the peaceful protesters including women. "Sunday protest is the outbreak of a comprehensive popular movement against Oslo accords, the national division, and normalization," the statement added.
In a related context, Fatah spokesman Jamal Nazzal waged an incitement campaign against PFLP protest and praised the PA forces' suppression of the demonstrators, threatening to use force to suppress any new demonstration that tries to protest outside the PA headquarters.
Meanwhile, PA forces launched an arrest campaign against PFLP members and cadres who were injured during Sunday protest.
Khalida Jarrar, member of the PFLP Political Bureau, confirmed that PA forces arrested three members of the PFLP while receiving treatment in Palestine Medical Complex after being injured during PA police's suppression of the protest.
MP Jarrar, who was also injured during the march, denounced the PA arrest of protesters suffering fractures and bruises during "PA forces' unjustified attack on the peaceful march."
A state of anger and popular discontent has prevailed among the Palestinian people following the PA brutal attack against the peaceful demonstrators including women and MPs.
The participants confirmed that PA security forces dressed as civilians have brutally attacked and badly insulted the female protesters, pointing out that many of the injured demonstrators were arrested while in hospitals.
Demonstrators chanted against security coordination and normalization and called for accountability for those who have been engaging in meetings with the Israelis and resumption of talks that violates Palestinian red lines.
The PFLP has launched previously a mass public campaign to bring down the Oslo agreement, to restore legitimacy to the Palestinian people as the source of resolution and all legitimacy.
The PFLP demanded to prosecute those responsible for this violence against the peaceful protesters including women. "Sunday protest is the outbreak of a comprehensive popular movement against Oslo accords, the national division, and normalization," the statement added.
In a related context, Fatah spokesman Jamal Nazzal waged an incitement campaign against PFLP protest and praised the PA forces' suppression of the demonstrators, threatening to use force to suppress any new demonstration that tries to protest outside the PA headquarters.
Meanwhile, PA forces launched an arrest campaign against PFLP members and cadres who were injured during Sunday protest.
Khalida Jarrar, member of the PFLP Political Bureau, confirmed that PA forces arrested three members of the PFLP while receiving treatment in Palestine Medical Complex after being injured during PA police's suppression of the protest.
MP Jarrar, who was also injured during the march, denounced the PA arrest of protesters suffering fractures and bruises during "PA forces' unjustified attack on the peaceful march."
A state of anger and popular discontent has prevailed among the Palestinian people following the PA brutal attack against the peaceful demonstrators including women and MPs.
The participants confirmed that PA security forces dressed as civilians have brutally attacked and badly insulted the female protesters, pointing out that many of the injured demonstrators were arrested while in hospitals.
Demonstrators chanted against security coordination and normalization and called for accountability for those who have been engaging in meetings with the Israelis and resumption of talks that violates Palestinian red lines.
The PFLP has launched previously a mass public campaign to bring down the Oslo agreement, to restore legitimacy to the Palestinian people as the source of resolution and all legitimacy.
A political commentator says by blacklisting the military wing of Hezbollah, Europe has given the Israeli regime leeway to freely continue its policy of “genocide and eternal expansion,” Press TV reports.
“As regards Europe and Lebanon ... those idiots in Europe listed Hezbollah and therefore have given Israel the chance to attack Hezbollah as a terrorist organization,” the London-based political analyst and commentator Rodney Shakespeare told Press TV.
“Europe has sold out to the Zionists and has given the opportunity to Israel to attack Hezbollah. And Hezbollah is the one group which has actually fought al-Qaeda,” Shakespeare added.
Last Monday, the EU added Hezbollah's military wing to the bloc's list of "terrorist organizations."
The decision was made after hours of discussions by the bloc’s 28 foreign ministers at its monthly meeting, following intense diplomatic pressure by Washington and Tel Aviv.
Hezbollah rejected EU’s decision in a Tuesday statement, saying the union was bowing to pressure from the US and the Israeli regime.
Referring to the planned resumption of US-backed talks between the Palestinian Authority (PA) and Israel, Shakespeare said the negotiations were only aimed at buying Tel Aviv time to build more settlements.
“The truth is that Zionist Israel is an expanding entity and therefore it cannot say where any border will be until it gets to its ultimate aim, which is to be in Syria, right the way through Lebanon, down to the Nile and across the River Euphrates,” he added.
The Palestinian-Israeli talks were halted in September 2010 over disagreements on Israeli settlement construction in the occupied West Bank.
On July 25, Israeli Energy and Water Minister Silvan Shalom said the talks may resume in Washington next week.
Most Palestinian factions have condemned the decision by acting Palestinian Authority Chief Mahmoud Abbas to restart talks with the Israeli regime.
“As regards Europe and Lebanon ... those idiots in Europe listed Hezbollah and therefore have given Israel the chance to attack Hezbollah as a terrorist organization,” the London-based political analyst and commentator Rodney Shakespeare told Press TV.
“Europe has sold out to the Zionists and has given the opportunity to Israel to attack Hezbollah. And Hezbollah is the one group which has actually fought al-Qaeda,” Shakespeare added.
Last Monday, the EU added Hezbollah's military wing to the bloc's list of "terrorist organizations."
The decision was made after hours of discussions by the bloc’s 28 foreign ministers at its monthly meeting, following intense diplomatic pressure by Washington and Tel Aviv.
Hezbollah rejected EU’s decision in a Tuesday statement, saying the union was bowing to pressure from the US and the Israeli regime.
Referring to the planned resumption of US-backed talks between the Palestinian Authority (PA) and Israel, Shakespeare said the negotiations were only aimed at buying Tel Aviv time to build more settlements.
“The truth is that Zionist Israel is an expanding entity and therefore it cannot say where any border will be until it gets to its ultimate aim, which is to be in Syria, right the way through Lebanon, down to the Nile and across the River Euphrates,” he added.
The Palestinian-Israeli talks were halted in September 2010 over disagreements on Israeli settlement construction in the occupied West Bank.
On July 25, Israeli Energy and Water Minister Silvan Shalom said the talks may resume in Washington next week.
Most Palestinian factions have condemned the decision by acting Palestinian Authority Chief Mahmoud Abbas to restart talks with the Israeli regime.
As Israeli and Palestinian negotiators headed to Washington for the resumption of peace talks on Monday, most Israeli newspapers hit out at the decision to free 104 prisoners in return.
"The murderers will go free," was the top-selling daily Yediot Aharonot's front-page headline after the cabinet agreed to release the veteran Palestinian and Israeli Arab prisoners, many of them convicted militants.
In a tense session lasting more than five hours, ministers on Sunday endorsed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's proposal to release the 104 prisoners imprisoned before the 1993 Oslo peace accords as a gesture to the Palestinians.
Media reports say that many of them have Israeli blood on their hands and that while the vast majority are Palestinians, a few are Israeli citizens.
The names of those to be freed have yet to be officially published, or even revealed to cabinet ministers, but Israeli and Palestinian groups have published their own lists of those in prison for more than 20 years.
They include petrol bombers whose attacks on buses killed Israeli women and children, perpetrators of fatal stabbings on city streets and the makers of bombs planted on buses and in the main Jerusalem produce market.
Yediot columnist Nahum Barnea compared the release to the October 2010 exchange of 1,027 prisoners for the freedom of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.
"The early release of terrorists is disturbing to any decent person," he wrote.
"The images of remorseless murderers celebrating on the way to the bus are a humiliating, agonizing, infuriating sight.
"The Palestinians did not give anything this time, except the willingness to hold talks on holding talks. It does not take much imagination to guess what Netanyahu would have said about this, had someone else been prime minister," Barnea added.
Israeli and Palestinian negotiators were to meet in Washington later on Monday, along with US officials, after months of dogged shuttle diplomacy by Secretary of State John Kerry secured a resumption of talks after a three-year hiatus.
"Here we go again," the Jerusalem Post headlined over an analysis by its diplomatic correspondent Herb Keinon.
"These murderers will be hailed as heroes in Hebron and Ramallah and Jenin," he wrote.
"Parades will be held in their honor, flowers thrown at the bus carrying them home, poems written about their 'glorious' exploits.
"If the Palestinians are indeed serious about the upcoming round of talks, they need to make that apparent to the Israeli public," he added.
"One way to do this is not to celebrate the release of terrorists who threw petrol bombs into buses and incinerated innocent men, women and children."
Maariv analyst Shalom Yerushalmi shared the general media sense of outrage.
"As always, the government has chosen the worst option," he wrote.
"Prior to going to the negotiations in Washington, the Israeli government made a decision to free terrorists who have committed terrible crimes against innocent civilians, many of whom were teenagers and children.
"This tears at the heart of each one of us, regardless of political views."
The left-leaning Haaretz daily grudgingly welcomed the cabinet decision.
"The Israeli government bumped into reality on Sunday," diplomatic correspondent Barak Ravid wrote.
"Like a drunk driver heading for a wall at full speed only to get a grip on himself at the last moment and hit the brakes, most government ministers came to their senses and voted in favor of releasing prisoners in order to enable the renewal of talks with the Palestinians."
PA ministry: Palestinian prisoners are not terrorists
The Palestinian Authority on Monday slammed remarks by an Israeli minister who said Palestinian prisoners were "terrorists."
"Terrorists are those who occupy the lands of another people and displace them by force and settle in their place. Palestinian prisoners are strugglers for their freedom and not terrorists," the PA Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
The ministry was responding to remarks by Israel's Economy Minister Naftali Bennett, who has protested the planned release of 104 long-serving Palestinian prisoners to coincide with the resumption of peace talks.
Bennet, leader of the Jewish Home party, has called the proposed prisoner release a "disgrace" and said "terrorists should be eliminated, not freed."
The PA ministry responded that some Israeli officials were "terrorists."
"The definition of terrorism completely applies to many Israeli politicians who defame Palestinian prisoners especially those jailed before the Oslo Accords."
At a cabinet meeting on Sunday, Bennett said Palestinian "terrorists" should be killed instead of jailed, the Hebrew-language newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported.
When told such a policy would be illegal, Bennett responded that he had "killed many Arabs and I never had a problem," the report said.
"The murderers will go free," was the top-selling daily Yediot Aharonot's front-page headline after the cabinet agreed to release the veteran Palestinian and Israeli Arab prisoners, many of them convicted militants.
In a tense session lasting more than five hours, ministers on Sunday endorsed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's proposal to release the 104 prisoners imprisoned before the 1993 Oslo peace accords as a gesture to the Palestinians.
Media reports say that many of them have Israeli blood on their hands and that while the vast majority are Palestinians, a few are Israeli citizens.
The names of those to be freed have yet to be officially published, or even revealed to cabinet ministers, but Israeli and Palestinian groups have published their own lists of those in prison for more than 20 years.
They include petrol bombers whose attacks on buses killed Israeli women and children, perpetrators of fatal stabbings on city streets and the makers of bombs planted on buses and in the main Jerusalem produce market.
Yediot columnist Nahum Barnea compared the release to the October 2010 exchange of 1,027 prisoners for the freedom of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.
"The early release of terrorists is disturbing to any decent person," he wrote.
"The images of remorseless murderers celebrating on the way to the bus are a humiliating, agonizing, infuriating sight.
"The Palestinians did not give anything this time, except the willingness to hold talks on holding talks. It does not take much imagination to guess what Netanyahu would have said about this, had someone else been prime minister," Barnea added.
Israeli and Palestinian negotiators were to meet in Washington later on Monday, along with US officials, after months of dogged shuttle diplomacy by Secretary of State John Kerry secured a resumption of talks after a three-year hiatus.
"Here we go again," the Jerusalem Post headlined over an analysis by its diplomatic correspondent Herb Keinon.
"These murderers will be hailed as heroes in Hebron and Ramallah and Jenin," he wrote.
"Parades will be held in their honor, flowers thrown at the bus carrying them home, poems written about their 'glorious' exploits.
"If the Palestinians are indeed serious about the upcoming round of talks, they need to make that apparent to the Israeli public," he added.
"One way to do this is not to celebrate the release of terrorists who threw petrol bombs into buses and incinerated innocent men, women and children."
Maariv analyst Shalom Yerushalmi shared the general media sense of outrage.
"As always, the government has chosen the worst option," he wrote.
"Prior to going to the negotiations in Washington, the Israeli government made a decision to free terrorists who have committed terrible crimes against innocent civilians, many of whom were teenagers and children.
"This tears at the heart of each one of us, regardless of political views."
The left-leaning Haaretz daily grudgingly welcomed the cabinet decision.
"The Israeli government bumped into reality on Sunday," diplomatic correspondent Barak Ravid wrote.
"Like a drunk driver heading for a wall at full speed only to get a grip on himself at the last moment and hit the brakes, most government ministers came to their senses and voted in favor of releasing prisoners in order to enable the renewal of talks with the Palestinians."
PA ministry: Palestinian prisoners are not terrorists
The Palestinian Authority on Monday slammed remarks by an Israeli minister who said Palestinian prisoners were "terrorists."
"Terrorists are those who occupy the lands of another people and displace them by force and settle in their place. Palestinian prisoners are strugglers for their freedom and not terrorists," the PA Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
The ministry was responding to remarks by Israel's Economy Minister Naftali Bennett, who has protested the planned release of 104 long-serving Palestinian prisoners to coincide with the resumption of peace talks.
Bennet, leader of the Jewish Home party, has called the proposed prisoner release a "disgrace" and said "terrorists should be eliminated, not freed."
The PA ministry responded that some Israeli officials were "terrorists."
"The definition of terrorism completely applies to many Israeli politicians who defame Palestinian prisoners especially those jailed before the Oslo Accords."
At a cabinet meeting on Sunday, Bennett said Palestinian "terrorists" should be killed instead of jailed, the Hebrew-language newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported.
When told such a policy would be illegal, Bennett responded that he had "killed many Arabs and I never had a problem," the report said.
The Jerusalem Post Israeli newspaper reported Israel’s Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon said Sunday that Israel will pay a cost in terms of deterrence following the decision to free 104 Palestinian prisoners as part of resuming peace talks.
While talking to new IOF recruits at the military induction center, Ya’alon stated: "In the future the strategic considerations behind the decision will be revealed."
Ya’alon addressed the chance of a successful peace process saying, "A third intifada is not in the cards and neither were the threats of a political tsunami. I advise the prime minister and cabinet ministers not to take such threats into consideration. The Palestinians were the ones to walk out on negotiations in the past four years. We will not sacrifice anything connected to security during negotiations."
He also made it clear that there are still many questions regarding the talks. "We will ask the other side whether they recognize Israel as the Jewish people's nation state and whether a territorial compromise will end all claims."
While talking to new IOF recruits at the military induction center, Ya’alon stated: "In the future the strategic considerations behind the decision will be revealed."
Ya’alon addressed the chance of a successful peace process saying, "A third intifada is not in the cards and neither were the threats of a political tsunami. I advise the prime minister and cabinet ministers not to take such threats into consideration. The Palestinians were the ones to walk out on negotiations in the past four years. We will not sacrifice anything connected to security during negotiations."
He also made it clear that there are still many questions regarding the talks. "We will ask the other side whether they recognize Israel as the Jewish people's nation state and whether a territorial compromise will end all claims."
Dr. Sami Abu Zuhri, a Hamas spokesman, said that the return of Mahmoud Abbas, PA chief, to negotiations with the Israeli occupation authority was a unilateral step. He said in a press release on Monday that the step was isolated and did not represent the Palestinian people.
The spokesman pointed out that the step was rejected by all factions, and called on Abbas to backtrack on his decision in view of its seriousness on the Palestine cause.
The spokesman pointed out that the step was rejected by all factions, and called on Abbas to backtrack on his decision in view of its seriousness on the Palestine cause.
The United States announced Sunday that peace talks will officially be resumed between Israeli and Palestinian negotiators on Monday evening.
Palestinians presented US Secretary of State John Kerry with a list of 104 Palestinian prisoners, convicted prior to the Oslo peace accords, demanding their release. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attempted to convince Israelis that releasing the prisoners is a harmless compromise for the resumption of peace negotiations, which he says is a vital Israeli interest.
Following several hours of deliberations the Israeli cabinet voted to approve the release, with 13 ministers voting in favor of the release, 7 in opposition to it, and 2 abstaining. The stark contrast within the cabinet and the Israeli protestors gathered outside the Israeli prime minister’s office, opposing the decision, both demonstrate that the prisoner’s release is highly contested among Israelis.
The Palestinian side will be represented by be Saeb Erekat, the chief negotiator, and Mohammed Shtayyeh, a close adviser to Mr. Abbas. Israel’s justice minister, Tzipi Livni, and Isaac Molho, Mr. Netanyahu’s special envoy will represent the state of Israel.
Erekat referred to the decision in a statement as “an overdue step toward the implementation of the Sharm el-Sheik agreement of 1999.” He added, “We welcome this decision, 14 years later.”
The Palestinian prisoners, who have been jailed for almost two decades, will be freed in four different stages. According to Israeli officials, the idea behind the gradual release is to ensure that the Palestinians stay committed during the initial nine months of negotiations not to take unilateral actions against Israel in the UN or at other international forums.
Kerry phoned Netanyahu and Abbas Sunday evening to extend a formal invitation to the talks. According to a statement issued by the State Department, the meetings will “serve as an opportunity to develop a procedural work plan for how the parties can proceed with the negotiations in the coming months.”
Palestinians presented US Secretary of State John Kerry with a list of 104 Palestinian prisoners, convicted prior to the Oslo peace accords, demanding their release. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attempted to convince Israelis that releasing the prisoners is a harmless compromise for the resumption of peace negotiations, which he says is a vital Israeli interest.
Following several hours of deliberations the Israeli cabinet voted to approve the release, with 13 ministers voting in favor of the release, 7 in opposition to it, and 2 abstaining. The stark contrast within the cabinet and the Israeli protestors gathered outside the Israeli prime minister’s office, opposing the decision, both demonstrate that the prisoner’s release is highly contested among Israelis.
The Palestinian side will be represented by be Saeb Erekat, the chief negotiator, and Mohammed Shtayyeh, a close adviser to Mr. Abbas. Israel’s justice minister, Tzipi Livni, and Isaac Molho, Mr. Netanyahu’s special envoy will represent the state of Israel.
Erekat referred to the decision in a statement as “an overdue step toward the implementation of the Sharm el-Sheik agreement of 1999.” He added, “We welcome this decision, 14 years later.”
The Palestinian prisoners, who have been jailed for almost two decades, will be freed in four different stages. According to Israeli officials, the idea behind the gradual release is to ensure that the Palestinians stay committed during the initial nine months of negotiations not to take unilateral actions against Israel in the UN or at other international forums.
Kerry phoned Netanyahu and Abbas Sunday evening to extend a formal invitation to the talks. According to a statement issued by the State Department, the meetings will “serve as an opportunity to develop a procedural work plan for how the parties can proceed with the negotiations in the coming months.”
Chief Palestinian Negotiator Dr. Saeb Erekat commented on the announcement made Sunday regarding the release of 104 Palestinian political prisoners from Israeli jails imprisoned before the Oslo Interim Agreement. Dr. Erekat said "We will continue working for the release of all our political prisoners."
"This Israeli cabinet decision is an overdue step towards the implementation of the Sharm Sheikh agreement of 1999, whereby Israel committed to reelase all the Pre-Oslo prisoners. We welcome this decision 14 years later."
The decision includes all Pre-Oslo political prisoners that remain in Israeli prisons, including Palestinians from Israel.
Dr. Erekat continued: "We call upon Israel to seize the opportunity made by US Secretary John Kerry towards the resumption of negotiations in order to put an end to decades of occupation and exile, and to start a new stage of justice, freedom and peace for Israel, Palestine and the rest of the region."
"This Israeli cabinet decision is an overdue step towards the implementation of the Sharm Sheikh agreement of 1999, whereby Israel committed to reelase all the Pre-Oslo prisoners. We welcome this decision 14 years later."
The decision includes all Pre-Oslo political prisoners that remain in Israeli prisons, including Palestinians from Israel.
Dr. Erekat continued: "We call upon Israel to seize the opportunity made by US Secretary John Kerry towards the resumption of negotiations in order to put an end to decades of occupation and exile, and to start a new stage of justice, freedom and peace for Israel, Palestine and the rest of the region."
