The U.S. is keen to save the peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians ahead of the Arab League summit in Libya. The U.S. is in extensive negotiations with Israel to identify a possible compromise regarding Israel’s expired moratorium on construction in its Gaza settlements, which would keep Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the peace talks, CNN reports, citing U.S., Palestinian, Israeli and Arab sources. Abbas had earlier indicated he will walk away from negotiations if Israel did not extend the construction ban, which expired Sept. 27, but delayed a final decision until the Arab League emergency meeting this weekend.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears to have no intention of extending the ban and has reportedly rejected the U.S.’s offer of assurances should he agree to extend it.
