Israel Announces Contentious Jerusalem Construction Ahead Of Peace Talks Meet

[Purveyor]

The Housing Ministry and Israel Lands Administration published on Tuesday three new tenders for construction of 300 housing units beyond the Green Line in Jerusalem, just hours before Israeli and Palestinian envoys are due to meet for the first time in over a year to discuss the renewal of peace talks.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's envoy for peace process, Yitzhak Molcho, is expected to discuss security arrangements and border issues with chief Palestinian Authority negotiator Saeb Erekat, with the participation of Jordanian Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh, who will mediate between the parties.

Palestinian sources stressed that they have no expectation of a diplomatic breakthrough in the short term, both because of the composition of the Israeli government and because of the U.S. presidential election campaign that is starting to get under way.

The sources indicated they believed that there will be no progress in peace negotiations until after the American election in November.

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http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israel-announces-contentious-jerusalem-construction-ahead-of-peace-talks-meet-1.405276

[oberliner]

1. Jerusalem will forever be the sticking point

There needs to be some "creative thinking" employed - land swaps, what have you.

[azurnoir]

2. No surprises there

provocative actions on Israels part aimed at making the Palestinians walk away from talks after which Bibi will stand tall and announce we were willing to talk they do not want peace and the ProIsrael chorus line will be 'high kicking' right behind him, something that has become so obvious and fools no one IMO

[Jefferson23]

3. Ya gotta love all the movement toward piece.....n/t