JERUSALEM (AP) — An Israeli deputy prime minister says members of the Cabinet’s decision-making circle doubt a peace deal with the Palestinians can be reached in the near future.
Moshe Yaalon’s remarks appear contrary to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s stated commitment on trying to reach an agreement within a year. Yaalon spoke to Army Radio on Tuesday.
The peace talks, which resumed last month, have stalled over Israel’s refusal to renew a moratorium on West Bank settlement construction.
Netanyahu on Monday offered to renew the moratorium if the Palestinians would recognize Israel as the Jewish homeland.
The Palestinians immediately refused, but Netanyahu also signaled he would be willing to renew the curbs if the U.S. offers an attractive incentive.
