Gestures for the Palestinians?

Reuters:

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu planned to convene his inner cabinet to discuss gestures toward the Palestinians after saying on Thursday progress had been made during a troubled U.S. visit.

"We think we have found a golden way that would allow the Americans to move the peace process forward while preserving our national interests," Netanyahu said en route from Washington, where a two-week-old spat over settlements clouded talks.

Despite his hints at compromise, the Palestinians said they had no indication from U.S. President Barack Obama there had been agreement on how to revive negotiations while Israel continues building on occupied land they want for state.

...

Palestinians want a complete Israeli settlement freeze in East Jerusalem and the rest of the West Bank. Israel regards all of Jerusalem as its capital, a claim that has not won international recognition.

...

About the only gesture from the Palestinians has been a middle finger salute which the Obama administration seems to support. It is absurd to require Israel to make concessions before negotiations even begin, and get absolutely nothing in return other than meaningless talks on setting up future talks. It shows you just how irrational the Obama approach is to Middle East peace. At every opportunity they have come down on the side of the Arabs who have shown nothing but bad faith in past peace negotiations with Israel.

The building halts get the situation exactly backwards. The building should continue as an incentive for the Palestinians to finally make peace if they want to stop it. Otherwise they have no incentive to reach an agreement which recognizes Israel.

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