30 mar 2014

In a flagrant announcement, Israel's Economy Minister Naftali Bennett threatened the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who threatens to go to UN institutions in case of Israel's disapproval of Palestinian prisoner's release.
Israel's Channel 7 quoted Bennett as saying that the Palestinian President is threatening Israel to head to UN institutions, adding that Israel will find a way to prevent him. Bennett stressed that Israel will know how to behave with the Palestinian president and chairman of the Fatah movement and will condemn him for attempting to cause harm to Israel.
Bennett said that "let Abbas, who doesn't have security, army forces or economy, to confront us." Adding, the Israeli Army is able to occupy the Palestinian cities during less than two minutes. Bennett advised Abbas not to threaten Israel because he has no state with borders and no potentials, despite that the UN has recognized his state, yet it doesn't mean anything to Israel.
Bannett said that he advised Abbas to continue with the negotiations with Israel, adding that he is not against the negotiations, but against using the negotiations to blackmailing Israel.
He also said that Israel must not be afraid of Abbas' threats regarding their decision to go to the United Nations.
Bennett demanded that Israel must ask itself a deep question of what is the point to continue with the negotiations, if Abbas is still determined not to recognize Israel as a 'Jewish State', adding that the land is the land of Israel and the Jews that God promised them, a thing that Muslims and Christians refuse.
Bennett said that the US proposal to release 400 Palestinian prisoners are just rumors, saying that the Israeli government didn't discuss these proposals in its session. He added that the Palestinian persistence on releasing the Palestinian prisoners who live inside Israel, is –according to Bennett- an attack against Israel.
Bennett considered that the Palestinian President's insistence on the releasing of the prisoners is just "dreams and illusions", and that his party will be ready to leave the Netanyahu's government if Israel approved to release the prisoners.
Israel's Channel 7 quoted Bennett as saying that the Palestinian President is threatening Israel to head to UN institutions, adding that Israel will find a way to prevent him. Bennett stressed that Israel will know how to behave with the Palestinian president and chairman of the Fatah movement and will condemn him for attempting to cause harm to Israel.
Bennett said that "let Abbas, who doesn't have security, army forces or economy, to confront us." Adding, the Israeli Army is able to occupy the Palestinian cities during less than two minutes. Bennett advised Abbas not to threaten Israel because he has no state with borders and no potentials, despite that the UN has recognized his state, yet it doesn't mean anything to Israel.
Bannett said that he advised Abbas to continue with the negotiations with Israel, adding that he is not against the negotiations, but against using the negotiations to blackmailing Israel.
He also said that Israel must not be afraid of Abbas' threats regarding their decision to go to the United Nations.
Bennett demanded that Israel must ask itself a deep question of what is the point to continue with the negotiations, if Abbas is still determined not to recognize Israel as a 'Jewish State', adding that the land is the land of Israel and the Jews that God promised them, a thing that Muslims and Christians refuse.
Bennett said that the US proposal to release 400 Palestinian prisoners are just rumors, saying that the Israeli government didn't discuss these proposals in its session. He added that the Palestinian persistence on releasing the Palestinian prisoners who live inside Israel, is –according to Bennett- an attack against Israel.
Bennett considered that the Palestinian President's insistence on the releasing of the prisoners is just "dreams and illusions", and that his party will be ready to leave the Netanyahu's government if Israel approved to release the prisoners.

The Palestinian leadership will hold a meeting on Monday to discuss further steps if Israel does not release a fourth group of veteran prisoners, the undersecretary of PA’s ministry of detainees said.
Ziad Abu Ein told Ma’an that the meeting was called to discuss steps that could be taken in case Israel reneges on the deal to release the last group of 30 Palestinian prisoners.
He added that Israel did not officially inform Palestinian officials of its intent not to release the prisoners, but they have informed the US that they want to release the fourth group on the condition that negotiations are extended, and that the PA decides not to seek standing in international organizations.
Abu Ein added that there are proposal to release other prisoners but refused to elaborate, adding that President Mahmoud Abbas refuses to discuss anything until the prisoners are released.
Abu Ein ruled out the possibility of releasing the prisoners in the next two days, saying that their names need to be made public 48 hours before their release.
He said chief negotiator Saeb Erekat is having on-going discussion with the US ambassador on the issue.
Erekat said a day earlier that Abbas has been exerting all efforts to negotiate the release of the fourth group.
Israel "must release the fourth batch" of prisoners, held in Israeli jails since before the 1993 Oslo Accords, Erekat said Sunday.
The deal at the beginning of the negotiations was for Israel to release 104 veteran prisoners in exchange for the PLO's pledge not to attempt a statehood bid at the UN or other international bodies, Erekat reiterated.
He said the PLO was involved in "sensitive talks" with the US and the Israel, but that he could not reveal details.
Israel was scheduled to release the final group of prisoners on Saturday, but did not.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that debate with the PLO over the prisoner release could go on for "a number of days," the Israeli newspaper Jerusalem Post reported on its website.
Netanyahu said at a meeting with members of his right-wing Likud party that prisoners would not be freed "without a clear benefit for Israel in return," the report said.
So far, 78 of a total of 104 veteran Palestinian prisoners have been freed in three separate tranches.
Ziad Abu Ein told Ma’an that the meeting was called to discuss steps that could be taken in case Israel reneges on the deal to release the last group of 30 Palestinian prisoners.
He added that Israel did not officially inform Palestinian officials of its intent not to release the prisoners, but they have informed the US that they want to release the fourth group on the condition that negotiations are extended, and that the PA decides not to seek standing in international organizations.
Abu Ein added that there are proposal to release other prisoners but refused to elaborate, adding that President Mahmoud Abbas refuses to discuss anything until the prisoners are released.
Abu Ein ruled out the possibility of releasing the prisoners in the next two days, saying that their names need to be made public 48 hours before their release.
He said chief negotiator Saeb Erekat is having on-going discussion with the US ambassador on the issue.
Erekat said a day earlier that Abbas has been exerting all efforts to negotiate the release of the fourth group.
Israel "must release the fourth batch" of prisoners, held in Israeli jails since before the 1993 Oslo Accords, Erekat said Sunday.
The deal at the beginning of the negotiations was for Israel to release 104 veteran prisoners in exchange for the PLO's pledge not to attempt a statehood bid at the UN or other international bodies, Erekat reiterated.
He said the PLO was involved in "sensitive talks" with the US and the Israel, but that he could not reveal details.
Israel was scheduled to release the final group of prisoners on Saturday, but did not.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that debate with the PLO over the prisoner release could go on for "a number of days," the Israeli newspaper Jerusalem Post reported on its website.
Netanyahu said at a meeting with members of his right-wing Likud party that prisoners would not be freed "without a clear benefit for Israel in return," the report said.
So far, 78 of a total of 104 veteran Palestinian prisoners have been freed in three separate tranches.

President Mahmoud Abbas has been exerting all efforts to negotiate the release of the fourth group of Palestinian veteran prisoners, a PLO official said Sunday.
Chief PLO negotiator Saeb Erekat said in a statement that Israel "must release the fourth batch" of prisoners, held in Israeli jails since before the 1993 Oslo Accords.
The deal at the beginning of the negotiations was for Israel to release 104 veteran prisoners in exchange for the PLO's pledge not to attempt a statehood bid at the UN or other international bodies, Erekat reiterated.
He said the PLO was involved in "sensitive talks" with the US and the Israel, but that he could not reveal details to the media.
Israel was scheduled to release the final group of prisoners on Saturday, but did not.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that debate with the PLO over the prisoner release could go on for "a number of days," the Israeli newspaper Jerusalem Post reported on its website.
Netanyahu said at a meeting with members of his right-wing Likud party that prisoners would not be freed "without a clear benefit for Israel in return," the report said.
So far, 78 of a total of 104 veteran Palestinian prisoners have been freed in three separate tranches.
Continued 'Jewish state' impasse
Separately, on Saturday, the London-based Arabic-language newspaper al-Hayat quoted western diplomats as saying that US Secretary of State John Kerry was trying to overcome the impasse over the recognition of Israel as a "Jewish state."
According to the report, Kerry suggested changing the language to "the homeland of the Jewish people." In exchange, the Palestinians would have to agree to establish a capital in only a part of East Jerusalem, not all of it.
The report said the PLO had rejected the proposal.
The PLO recognized Israel's right to exist in 1988, but says that recognizing Israel as a "Jewish state" could jeopardize the right of return for Palestinian refugees and limit the rights of Palestinians living in Israel.
Peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians were relaunched in July under the auspices of the US after nearly three years of impasse.
Israel's government has announced the construction of thousands of settler housing units and its army has killed 60 Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza since the negotiations began.
Chief PLO negotiator Saeb Erekat said in a statement that Israel "must release the fourth batch" of prisoners, held in Israeli jails since before the 1993 Oslo Accords.
The deal at the beginning of the negotiations was for Israel to release 104 veteran prisoners in exchange for the PLO's pledge not to attempt a statehood bid at the UN or other international bodies, Erekat reiterated.
He said the PLO was involved in "sensitive talks" with the US and the Israel, but that he could not reveal details to the media.
Israel was scheduled to release the final group of prisoners on Saturday, but did not.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that debate with the PLO over the prisoner release could go on for "a number of days," the Israeli newspaper Jerusalem Post reported on its website.
Netanyahu said at a meeting with members of his right-wing Likud party that prisoners would not be freed "without a clear benefit for Israel in return," the report said.
So far, 78 of a total of 104 veteran Palestinian prisoners have been freed in three separate tranches.
Continued 'Jewish state' impasse
Separately, on Saturday, the London-based Arabic-language newspaper al-Hayat quoted western diplomats as saying that US Secretary of State John Kerry was trying to overcome the impasse over the recognition of Israel as a "Jewish state."
According to the report, Kerry suggested changing the language to "the homeland of the Jewish people." In exchange, the Palestinians would have to agree to establish a capital in only a part of East Jerusalem, not all of it.
The report said the PLO had rejected the proposal.
The PLO recognized Israel's right to exist in 1988, but says that recognizing Israel as a "Jewish state" could jeopardize the right of return for Palestinian refugees and limit the rights of Palestinians living in Israel.
Peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians were relaunched in July under the auspices of the US after nearly three years of impasse.
Israel's government has announced the construction of thousands of settler housing units and its army has killed 60 Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza since the negotiations began.
29 mar 2014

A senior Palestinian official said a release by Israel of Palestinian prisoners would not go ahead on Saturday as envisaged but he hoped there would only be short delay.
"Today the prisoners will not be released ... maybe in the coming days," Issa Qaraqe, the minister of prisoners' affairs, told AFP.
"We have told the families of the prisoners that they will not be released today," he added."
"There are efforts to solve the crisis and I believe that in 24 hours everything will be clearer."
Under the deal that relaunched peace talks last July, Israel agreed to release 104 Palestinians held since before the 1993 Oslo peace accords in exchange for the Palestinians not pressing their statehood claims at the United Nations.
So far, Israel has freed 78 prisoners in three batches but ministers had warned they would block the final release, which had been anticipated for Saturday, if the Palestinians refused to extend the talks beyond their April 29 deadline.
There has been no official Israeli update on the last batch of prisoners, which the Palestinians want to include Palestinian citizens of Israel, a demand hotly opposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's far-right coalition partners and by hardliners within his own Likud party.
The cabinet convenes on Sunday morning for its weekly meeting.
Palestinian official Jibril Rajub, a member of Fatah's central committee, told AFP Friday that "the Israeli government has informed us through the American mediator that it will not abide with its commitment to release the fourth batch of Palestinian prisoners scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday 29."
The peace talks have been teetering on the brink of collapse, with Washington fighting an uphill battle to get the two sides to agree to a framework for continued negotiations until the end of the year.
US Secretary of State John Kerry met Abbas in Amman on Wednesday in a bid to salvage the talks, with US special envoy Martin Indyk meeting the Palestinian leader in Ramallah a day later.
State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki on Friday denied reports that negotiations had already collapsed.
"Any reports that suggest the talks are off are inaccurate," she told journalists covering a visit to Saudi Arabia by Kerry and President Barack Obama.
"Ambassador Indyk and the negotiating team remain closely engaged with both parties on the ground and will continue to work over the coming days to help them bridge the gaps and determine the path forward."
Israeli media say Netanyahu could give a green light to the prisoner release if the US frees Jonathan Pollard, who was arrested in Washington in 1985 and condemned to life imprisonment for spying on the United States for Israel.
Israel is not commenting on such reports, with Netanyahu spokesman Mark Regev saying only that in general the spy's fate is "often raised at high-level meetings between Israelis and Americans."
On Wednesday, Psaki said "there are currently no plans to release Jonathan Pollard."
"Today the prisoners will not be released ... maybe in the coming days," Issa Qaraqe, the minister of prisoners' affairs, told AFP.
"We have told the families of the prisoners that they will not be released today," he added."
"There are efforts to solve the crisis and I believe that in 24 hours everything will be clearer."
Under the deal that relaunched peace talks last July, Israel agreed to release 104 Palestinians held since before the 1993 Oslo peace accords in exchange for the Palestinians not pressing their statehood claims at the United Nations.
So far, Israel has freed 78 prisoners in three batches but ministers had warned they would block the final release, which had been anticipated for Saturday, if the Palestinians refused to extend the talks beyond their April 29 deadline.
There has been no official Israeli update on the last batch of prisoners, which the Palestinians want to include Palestinian citizens of Israel, a demand hotly opposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's far-right coalition partners and by hardliners within his own Likud party.
The cabinet convenes on Sunday morning for its weekly meeting.
Palestinian official Jibril Rajub, a member of Fatah's central committee, told AFP Friday that "the Israeli government has informed us through the American mediator that it will not abide with its commitment to release the fourth batch of Palestinian prisoners scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday 29."
The peace talks have been teetering on the brink of collapse, with Washington fighting an uphill battle to get the two sides to agree to a framework for continued negotiations until the end of the year.
US Secretary of State John Kerry met Abbas in Amman on Wednesday in a bid to salvage the talks, with US special envoy Martin Indyk meeting the Palestinian leader in Ramallah a day later.
State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki on Friday denied reports that negotiations had already collapsed.
"Any reports that suggest the talks are off are inaccurate," she told journalists covering a visit to Saudi Arabia by Kerry and President Barack Obama.
"Ambassador Indyk and the negotiating team remain closely engaged with both parties on the ground and will continue to work over the coming days to help them bridge the gaps and determine the path forward."
Israeli media say Netanyahu could give a green light to the prisoner release if the US frees Jonathan Pollard, who was arrested in Washington in 1985 and condemned to life imprisonment for spying on the United States for Israel.
Israel is not commenting on such reports, with Netanyahu spokesman Mark Regev saying only that in general the spy's fate is "often raised at high-level meetings between Israelis and Americans."
On Wednesday, Psaki said "there are currently no plans to release Jonathan Pollard."

Israel’s refusal to release the fourth batch of Palestinian prisoners scheduled on Saturday hit the front page headlines in the three Palestinian dailies. Al-Quds titled its front page news item as: “The Israeli government informs the Palestinian side that it refuses to release the fourth batch of prisoners.”
Al-Ayyam titled its front page item as: “Israel reneges on release of fourth batch of prisoners, Washington talks about persistent efforts to bridge the gap.”
Al-Hayat Al-Jadida titled it front page items as: “Israel slaps the US Administration and reneges on release of fourth batch of prisoners,” and it quoted Jibril Al-Rajub as saying: “this will mark the beginning of efforts in the international community to challenge the legality of the occupation.”
Dailies also highlighted in their front pages confrontations that erupted when Israeli forces suppressed weekly anti-wall and settlement demonstrations, causing injuries to dozens of demonstrators.
Al-Quds also reported that Israeli settlers, protected by the Israeli army, are attempting to seize Wadi Qana in Salfit district.
It also reported that two Palestinians and an Israeli soldier were injured in confrontations that erupted in Silwad, located to the east of Ramallah.
Al-Hayat Al-Jadida reported that peaceful demonstrations were organized in the West Bank to mark the Land Day.
It also reported that right-wing Israeli activists attempted to assault demonstrators in Ramya, in Galilee in Israel, whose villagers are threatened with displacement.
Al-Quds, Al-Ayyam and Al-Hayat Al-Jadida printed in their front pages photos for the confrontations that erupted in Kafr Qaddum, Burin, both are located in Nablus, and Silwad.
The three dailies also reported that EU diplomats in East Jerusalem and Ramallah issued a report voicing concerns about risks of regional conflagration around the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem and warning against changing the status quo.
Al-Quds reported that homeowners in Wadi Al-Humus, located to the south of Sur Baher near Jerusalem, are very concerned about Israeli plans to demolish their houses.
Al-Ayyam and Al-Hayat Al-Jadida reported that the UN Human Rights Council adopted four resolutions in favor of Palestine.
Regionally, Al-Quds and Al-Hayat Al-Jadida reported that four Egyptians, including a woman journalist, were killed during clashes between Egyptian police and supporters of ousted Egyptian President Mohammad Morsi in Cairo.
Al-Ayyam reported that seven Palestinians were killed during on-going attacks and shelling against refugee camps in Syria.
It also reported that an initiative was launched by Palestinian factions in Lebanon to reinforce Palestinian Lebanese relations.
Internationally, Al-Quds reported a report published earlier by The Jewish Daily Forward that the Jewish community’s network of civil society organizations have a $26 billion worth assets, most of which are offered to Israel.
The three dailies reported that the US President, Barack Obama, discussed with Saudi King Abdullah the situation in Syria, the Palestinian question, and Iran.
Al-Ayyam titled its front page item as: “Israel reneges on release of fourth batch of prisoners, Washington talks about persistent efforts to bridge the gap.”
Al-Hayat Al-Jadida titled it front page items as: “Israel slaps the US Administration and reneges on release of fourth batch of prisoners,” and it quoted Jibril Al-Rajub as saying: “this will mark the beginning of efforts in the international community to challenge the legality of the occupation.”
Dailies also highlighted in their front pages confrontations that erupted when Israeli forces suppressed weekly anti-wall and settlement demonstrations, causing injuries to dozens of demonstrators.
Al-Quds also reported that Israeli settlers, protected by the Israeli army, are attempting to seize Wadi Qana in Salfit district.
It also reported that two Palestinians and an Israeli soldier were injured in confrontations that erupted in Silwad, located to the east of Ramallah.
Al-Hayat Al-Jadida reported that peaceful demonstrations were organized in the West Bank to mark the Land Day.
It also reported that right-wing Israeli activists attempted to assault demonstrators in Ramya, in Galilee in Israel, whose villagers are threatened with displacement.
Al-Quds, Al-Ayyam and Al-Hayat Al-Jadida printed in their front pages photos for the confrontations that erupted in Kafr Qaddum, Burin, both are located in Nablus, and Silwad.
The three dailies also reported that EU diplomats in East Jerusalem and Ramallah issued a report voicing concerns about risks of regional conflagration around the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem and warning against changing the status quo.
Al-Quds reported that homeowners in Wadi Al-Humus, located to the south of Sur Baher near Jerusalem, are very concerned about Israeli plans to demolish their houses.
Al-Ayyam and Al-Hayat Al-Jadida reported that the UN Human Rights Council adopted four resolutions in favor of Palestine.
Regionally, Al-Quds and Al-Hayat Al-Jadida reported that four Egyptians, including a woman journalist, were killed during clashes between Egyptian police and supporters of ousted Egyptian President Mohammad Morsi in Cairo.
Al-Ayyam reported that seven Palestinians were killed during on-going attacks and shelling against refugee camps in Syria.
It also reported that an initiative was launched by Palestinian factions in Lebanon to reinforce Palestinian Lebanese relations.
Internationally, Al-Quds reported a report published earlier by The Jewish Daily Forward that the Jewish community’s network of civil society organizations have a $26 billion worth assets, most of which are offered to Israel.
The three dailies reported that the US President, Barack Obama, discussed with Saudi King Abdullah the situation in Syria, the Palestinian question, and Iran.
28 mar 2014

The Israeli government on Friday informed the Palestinian Authority it will not free the final batch of prisoners scheduled to be released on Saturday, senior Palestinian official Jibril Rajoub stated. Rajoub told AFP: "The Israeli government has informed us through the American mediator that it will not abide with its commitment to release the fourth batch of Palestinian prisoners scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday 29".
He called the Israeli move a "slap in the face of the US administration and its efforts," and said the Palestinians would resume their international diplomatic offensive.
Under the deal which re-launched the talks in July, Israel said it would release 104 Palestinians held since before the 1993 Oslo peace accords. Israel has so far freed 78 prisoners in three batches but cabinet members said they will not release the final batch which includes 26 captives.
He called the Israeli move a "slap in the face of the US administration and its efforts," and said the Palestinians would resume their international diplomatic offensive.
Under the deal which re-launched the talks in July, Israel said it would release 104 Palestinians held since before the 1993 Oslo peace accords. Israel has so far freed 78 prisoners in three batches but cabinet members said they will not release the final batch which includes 26 captives.
27 mar 2014

Palestinian prisoners have said they will protest if Israel does not release the fourth group of veteran prisoners, the Palestinian Authority minister of prisoners' affairs said on Thursday.
Issa Qaraqe said in a statement that a group of prisoners had confirmed their support for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in his persistence on releasing the fourth group of veteran prisoners. The statement insisted that the release was crucial for any future progress in the peace talks and serves as a test of Israel's reliability in the peace process.
"Israel has been playing an ugly game of blackmail ... using Palestinian prisoners as a pressure tool to obtain political gains, which we completely reject," Qaraqe said.
He added that if Israel does not release all prisoners included in the agreed list and on time, the Palestinian Authority would have no choice but to officially to join international organizations, conventions and treaties, particularly the Geneva Convention in protest.
Qaraqe said that he holds Israel responsible for the consequences of not releasing the prisoners on time, warning of the "anger" in the Palestinian street.
Israel has released three groups of veteran prisoners as part of a trust-building measure in ongoing peace talks, and are due to release a fourth group in April.
However, Israeli officials have hinted that release of the fourth group might be conditional on Abbas agreeing to extend talks, which he has so far refused to do because of a lack of progress.
Peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians were relaunched in July under the auspices of the US after nearly three years of impasse.
Israel's government has announced the construction of thousands of settler housing units and its army has killed 60 Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza since the talks began.
Issa Qaraqe said in a statement that a group of prisoners had confirmed their support for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in his persistence on releasing the fourth group of veteran prisoners. The statement insisted that the release was crucial for any future progress in the peace talks and serves as a test of Israel's reliability in the peace process.
"Israel has been playing an ugly game of blackmail ... using Palestinian prisoners as a pressure tool to obtain political gains, which we completely reject," Qaraqe said.
He added that if Israel does not release all prisoners included in the agreed list and on time, the Palestinian Authority would have no choice but to officially to join international organizations, conventions and treaties, particularly the Geneva Convention in protest.
Qaraqe said that he holds Israel responsible for the consequences of not releasing the prisoners on time, warning of the "anger" in the Palestinian street.
Israel has released three groups of veteran prisoners as part of a trust-building measure in ongoing peace talks, and are due to release a fourth group in April.
However, Israeli officials have hinted that release of the fourth group might be conditional on Abbas agreeing to extend talks, which he has so far refused to do because of a lack of progress.
Peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians were relaunched in July under the auspices of the US after nearly three years of impasse.
Israel's government has announced the construction of thousands of settler housing units and its army has killed 60 Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza since the talks began.

The Israeli Radio has reported that the United States has offered the release of Israeli spy, Jonathan Pollard, in return for releasing the fourth batch of veteran Palestinian detainees, and extending direct peace talks with the Palestinians.
Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, mentioned Pollard’s case during his latest visit to the Unites States, and Israeli sources said Netanyahu asked the US to release the spy.
He said that, in return, Israel would go ahead and implement what it already vowed to do, and release the fourth and final phase of veteran Palestinian detainees, imprisoned since before the first Oslo Peace Agreement.
Israeli sources said US Secretary of State, John Kerry, intends to present the issue to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, and the Israeli Prime Minister.
The United States said Abbas-Kerry talks aim at trying to bridge the gaps in the positions of Palestinian and Israeli negotiators, and that Kerry will be holding talks with Netanyahu, either over the phone or through video conference.
The United States is trying to extend direct Palestinian-Israeli peace talks despite stalemate, while several senior Israeli officials sent a message to Arab Foreign Ministers convening in Kuwait, asking them to focus on the Arab Peace Initiative as the base for peace talks.
Israel also asked the summiteers to take into consideration the “regional situation” and its effects on Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
Jonathan Pollard, born to a Jewish family on August 7, 1954 in Galveston, Texas, worked as a civilian intelligence analyst; he was apprehended on charges of spying for Israel, and received a life sentence in 1987.
He was granted Israeli citizenship in 1995, but despite granting him citizenship while he was in prison, Israel did not acknowledge buying classified information from Pollard.
Several Israeli officials, and pro-Israel lobbies, in addition to former and current Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have been trying to secure Pollard’s release.
On Tuesday, January 4, 2011, Netanyahu sent a letter to Obama asking him to release Pollard; the White House rejected the request.
On December, 11, 2011, Netanyahu stated that “Israel has the moral obligation to secure his release”, adding that “Pollard never spied on the United States”.
In late December of last year, the Israeli National News Agency said more than 106 Members of Knesset “including Arab MK and left wing MK’s” held a special session at the Knesset, and signed a petition calling on US President Barack Obama to reconsider his decision not to release Pollard.
So far, 78 of 104 Palestinian veteran prisoners have been freed in three groups, with the final 26 to be released on March 29. However, recent statements by Israeli officials have cast doubt on whether the prisoners would be released on time, if at all.
On Tuesday, at dawn, December 31, 2013, Israel released 26 veteran Palestinian detainees, as part of the third phase of releasing all detained Palestinians held by Israeli since before the first Oslo peace agreement of 1993.
During the first and second phases, Israel released, back in mid-August, 26 veteran detainees (14 from Gaza and 12 from the West bank) and, in late October, it released 26 veteran detainees (21 from Gaza and 5 from the West Bank).
Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, mentioned Pollard’s case during his latest visit to the Unites States, and Israeli sources said Netanyahu asked the US to release the spy.
He said that, in return, Israel would go ahead and implement what it already vowed to do, and release the fourth and final phase of veteran Palestinian detainees, imprisoned since before the first Oslo Peace Agreement.
Israeli sources said US Secretary of State, John Kerry, intends to present the issue to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, and the Israeli Prime Minister.
The United States said Abbas-Kerry talks aim at trying to bridge the gaps in the positions of Palestinian and Israeli negotiators, and that Kerry will be holding talks with Netanyahu, either over the phone or through video conference.
The United States is trying to extend direct Palestinian-Israeli peace talks despite stalemate, while several senior Israeli officials sent a message to Arab Foreign Ministers convening in Kuwait, asking them to focus on the Arab Peace Initiative as the base for peace talks.
Israel also asked the summiteers to take into consideration the “regional situation” and its effects on Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
Jonathan Pollard, born to a Jewish family on August 7, 1954 in Galveston, Texas, worked as a civilian intelligence analyst; he was apprehended on charges of spying for Israel, and received a life sentence in 1987.
He was granted Israeli citizenship in 1995, but despite granting him citizenship while he was in prison, Israel did not acknowledge buying classified information from Pollard.
Several Israeli officials, and pro-Israel lobbies, in addition to former and current Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have been trying to secure Pollard’s release.
On Tuesday, January 4, 2011, Netanyahu sent a letter to Obama asking him to release Pollard; the White House rejected the request.
On December, 11, 2011, Netanyahu stated that “Israel has the moral obligation to secure his release”, adding that “Pollard never spied on the United States”.
In late December of last year, the Israeli National News Agency said more than 106 Members of Knesset “including Arab MK and left wing MK’s” held a special session at the Knesset, and signed a petition calling on US President Barack Obama to reconsider his decision not to release Pollard.
So far, 78 of 104 Palestinian veteran prisoners have been freed in three groups, with the final 26 to be released on March 29. However, recent statements by Israeli officials have cast doubt on whether the prisoners would be released on time, if at all.
On Tuesday, at dawn, December 31, 2013, Israel released 26 veteran Palestinian detainees, as part of the third phase of releasing all detained Palestinians held by Israeli since before the first Oslo peace agreement of 1993.
During the first and second phases, Israel released, back in mid-August, 26 veteran detainees (14 from Gaza and 12 from the West bank) and, in late October, it released 26 veteran detainees (21 from Gaza and 5 from the West Bank).

Israel's Economy Minister Naftali Bennett said Tuesday that Israel will reconsider the fourth and final release of Palestinian prisoners.
Bennett said that the release of the 104 prisoners detained before the signing of the Oslo Accords in 1993 on four stages, was a gesture for resuming peace talks, which has become uncertain to take place at the end of March because peace negotiations are at a standstill.
Bennett added that the Palestinians' demand to release the prisoners without recognizing Israel as a Jewish state will not lead to a peace agreement.
He said in an interview with Israel Radio, that the majority of the Israeli government officials suggested scrapping the release of the Palestinian prisoners.
Zahava Gal-On, leader of the left-wing Meretz party, said that Israel cannot violate its commitment to release the Palestinian prisoners.
She added that if the US is willing to save the Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, it must release Jonathan Pollard, who is convicted by the US of spying for Israel.
Bennett said that the release of the 104 prisoners detained before the signing of the Oslo Accords in 1993 on four stages, was a gesture for resuming peace talks, which has become uncertain to take place at the end of March because peace negotiations are at a standstill.
Bennett added that the Palestinians' demand to release the prisoners without recognizing Israel as a Jewish state will not lead to a peace agreement.
He said in an interview with Israel Radio, that the majority of the Israeli government officials suggested scrapping the release of the Palestinian prisoners.
Zahava Gal-On, leader of the left-wing Meretz party, said that Israel cannot violate its commitment to release the Palestinian prisoners.
She added that if the US is willing to save the Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, it must release Jonathan Pollard, who is convicted by the US of spying for Israel.
26 mar 2014

Jonathan Pollard, who is convicted of passing classified information to Israel while working as a civilian intelligence analyst
Israeli occupation army radio revealed Wednesday morning that the Israeli government put the release of the final batch of Palestinian prisoner under the conditions of Palestinian Authority agreement to extent the negotiations time line and the U.S agreement to release the Israeli spy Jontan Bolard .
Occupation radio explained that the U.S secretary John Keri and his negotiator's staff had presented this new proposal after prime minister of Israeli occupation Netanyahu informed Kerry that Israel will not release any Palestinian prisoner unless peace negotiations are extended.
The radio quoted Netanyahu as saying " It is difficult to release the Palestinian prisoners from pre 1948 occupied Palestinian (Israelis Arab) as a wide range of Israeli ministers opposing it , even if Abbas agreed to extend the negotiations."
The Radio explaining that releasing Bolard after 30 years in America prison will reduce the Israeli opposition of releasing the Palestinian prisoners from pre 1948 occupied Palestinian and enable Netanyahu to pass the decision.
It's expected that John Keri will meet Mahmoud Abbas today in Aman to convince him to extent the negotiations.
Israeli occupation army radio revealed Wednesday morning that the Israeli government put the release of the final batch of Palestinian prisoner under the conditions of Palestinian Authority agreement to extent the negotiations time line and the U.S agreement to release the Israeli spy Jontan Bolard .
Occupation radio explained that the U.S secretary John Keri and his negotiator's staff had presented this new proposal after prime minister of Israeli occupation Netanyahu informed Kerry that Israel will not release any Palestinian prisoner unless peace negotiations are extended.
The radio quoted Netanyahu as saying " It is difficult to release the Palestinian prisoners from pre 1948 occupied Palestinian (Israelis Arab) as a wide range of Israeli ministers opposing it , even if Abbas agreed to extend the negotiations."
The Radio explaining that releasing Bolard after 30 years in America prison will reduce the Israeli opposition of releasing the Palestinian prisoners from pre 1948 occupied Palestinian and enable Netanyahu to pass the decision.
It's expected that John Keri will meet Mahmoud Abbas today in Aman to convince him to extent the negotiations.

A senior Palestinian official on Monday said his government would seek membership in international organizations if Israel failed to abide by a previous agreement to release a fresh batch of Palestinian detainees on March 29. "The Palestinian government has already finalized preparations for receiving the freed detainees," Ziyad Abu Ein, a senior official at the Ministry of Detainees' Affairs, told Anadolu Agency.
"They [detainees] closely monitor Israeli statements regarding their fate," he added.
Israel Radio had earlier quoted a senior Israeli official as saying that Tel Aviv could reconsider the promised release of a fourth and final group of Palestinian detainees if ongoing peace talks failed to bear fruit.
The official said both sides had an interest in extending talks beyond an April negotiation deadline.
U.S.-brokered talks between Israeli and Palestinian negotiators resumed in Washington last summer after a nearly three-year pause.
During a visit to the region in January, Kerry presented both sides with a proposed framework for an eventual deal that addresses so-called "final-status" issues – namely, borders, security, the fate of Palestinian refugees and the status of Al-Quds (occupied East Jerusalem).
Some 500,000 Israelis now live in more than one hundred Jewish-only settlements built since Israel occupied the West Bank and Al-Quds in 1967.
The Palestinians want these areas, along with the Gaza Strip, for their future state.
Palestinians insist that the issue of Israeli settlement-building must be addressed before a comprehensive final-status agreement can be reached.
Abu Ein, for his part, said Israel's threat to reconsider the prisoner release was another attempt by the self-proclaimed Jewish state to "exploit" the Palestinians.
"Israel is using the detainees card to deal a blow to the U.S.," he said. "This means the negotiations file should be made the responsibility of the international community and its institutions."
Membership in international organizations is said to help the Palestinians resolve their ongoing dispute with Israel within the context of international law.
Last week, the Ministry of Detainees' Affairs released the names of 30 Palestinian prisoners who were expected to be released by Israel on March 29.
Israel had previously agreed to free 104 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel before the signing of the Oslo Accords in 1993.
"They [detainees] closely monitor Israeli statements regarding their fate," he added.
Israel Radio had earlier quoted a senior Israeli official as saying that Tel Aviv could reconsider the promised release of a fourth and final group of Palestinian detainees if ongoing peace talks failed to bear fruit.
The official said both sides had an interest in extending talks beyond an April negotiation deadline.
U.S.-brokered talks between Israeli and Palestinian negotiators resumed in Washington last summer after a nearly three-year pause.
During a visit to the region in January, Kerry presented both sides with a proposed framework for an eventual deal that addresses so-called "final-status" issues – namely, borders, security, the fate of Palestinian refugees and the status of Al-Quds (occupied East Jerusalem).
Some 500,000 Israelis now live in more than one hundred Jewish-only settlements built since Israel occupied the West Bank and Al-Quds in 1967.
The Palestinians want these areas, along with the Gaza Strip, for their future state.
Palestinians insist that the issue of Israeli settlement-building must be addressed before a comprehensive final-status agreement can be reached.
Abu Ein, for his part, said Israel's threat to reconsider the prisoner release was another attempt by the self-proclaimed Jewish state to "exploit" the Palestinians.
"Israel is using the detainees card to deal a blow to the U.S.," he said. "This means the negotiations file should be made the responsibility of the international community and its institutions."
Membership in international organizations is said to help the Palestinians resolve their ongoing dispute with Israel within the context of international law.
Last week, the Ministry of Detainees' Affairs released the names of 30 Palestinian prisoners who were expected to be released by Israel on March 29.
Israel had previously agreed to free 104 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel before the signing of the Oslo Accords in 1993.