Netanyahu, Abbas say progress unlikely

The possibility of continuing peace talks with the Palestinians is “not particularly good,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Jan. 29 at his weekly Cabinet meeting.

Last week, according to reports, Israel presented the Palestinians with its concept of the borders and security plan for a Palestinian state. The Palestinians said the presentation, which was not written down, was not good enough.

The plan would have preserved most Jewish settlements and did not include Jerusalem or the Jordan Valley, Reuters reported, citing Palestinian sources.

Israel has called on the Palestinians to remain at the negotiating table. Abbas has said he will consult with the Arab League at a meeting on Saturday, Feb. 4 on whether to continue the talks. — jta