OH JERUSALEM – AT 9:48 A.M. ET:  We haven't been discussing the Israel-Palestinian talks at Urgent Agenda because nothing much has happened.  No breakthroughs.  No agreements.  The talks may actually break down today.

The issue is Israeli settlements on the West Bank.  Israel recently imposed a moratorium on new construction in those settlements, the better to advance peace talks and satisfy Washington.  That moratorium expires tonight.  The Palestinians, in their usual blundering way – which has gotten them nothing in 62 years – are demanding that the moratorium be extended or they'll leave the talks.  In other words, it's the standard Palestinian position – give us 100% or we walk.  Brilliant.

The problem is that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is presiding over a fragile coalition that includes pro-settlement elements.  It could break apart if he extends the moratorium, essentially collapsing the peace talks and probably requiring a new Israeli election.

Some flexibility is going to be required on both sides for the talks to continue.  Apparently, the Israelis are open to compromise, but the Palestinians, thus far, are not.  This merely adds to the suspicion, widespread among Israelis, that the Palestinians are not serious, and are setting the talks up for failure, which would then be blamed on the Israelis.

Negotiations are intense right now.  There may be news late in the day.

September 26, 2010