JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel’s prime minister says if negotiations don’t resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, he could seek an interim accord instead of a comprehensive deal the U.S. wants. Palestinians reject that idea.
Speaking to Israeli Channel 10 TV Monday, Benjamin Netanyahu said if negotiations stall over Jerusalem or Palestinian refugees, “it could be that the result will then be an interim agreement.” He gave no details.
On Sunday Israel’s hard-line Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman floated the same proposal.
Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said interim agreement idea is “a nonstarter and will not fly.”
U.S.-backed peace talks broke down in September. The Palestinians refuse to negotiate while Israel builds on lands the Palestinians want for a future state.
