Diplomatic Efforts Intensify as Deadline Looms for Israeli Settlement Moratorium

Strategic Insights -

US diplomats continued to engage in intense negotiations between Israeli and Palestinian officials at the United Nations, attempting to prevent a collapse of the peace talks over the Israeli settlement moratorium. Despite efforts from Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and other officials, there was no sign of a breakthrough, and the deadline for a decision loomed on Sunday. The moratorium, which has been in place for 10 months, is set to expire, and both sides remain deeply entrenched in their positions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US has been working to persuade Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to extend the settlement moratorium, with a proposal for a limited extension of two or three months.
  • Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has threatened to withdraw from the peace talks if the moratorium is not extended, but has not repeated the threat since his speech to the United Nations on Saturday.
  • The expiration of the moratorium has sparked concerns that the peace talks will collapse, with Egypt's foreign minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit stating that Israel will bear the blame if the talks fail.
  • US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and special envoy to the Middle East George Mitchell have been urging both sides to reach a compromise, but progress has been sluggish.
  • Activists in the pro-settlement camp in Israel have announced plans to mark the end of the freeze with an event on Sunday, and tractors will begin building new homes in the West Bank settlement of Revava.

Statistics:

  • The 10-month settlement moratorium is set to expire on Sunday.
  • The US has been meeting with Lebanese and Syrian officials to draw them into the peace process.
  • The peace talks began this month and have been bogged down over the issue of settlements.
  • The pro-settlement camp in Israel has announced plans for an event on Sunday, with tractors set to begin building new homes in Revava immediately after the moratorium expires.

Sources:

  • The New York Times, "US Diplomats Scramble to Prevent Collapse of Mideast Talks"
  • United Nations, "Speech by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas"
  • United Nations, "Speech by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton"
  • The New York Times, "US Officials Say Sunday Is Expiration Date for Settlement Freeze"