Resolve Israel spat quietly, Obama urgedPrior to his meeting with the prime minister, Mitchell met with Defense Minister Ehud Barak at the capital’s King David Hotel. During the meeting, the two held what Mitchell termed “a productive discussion on a full range of issues.”Mitchell stressed that the US was committed to Israel’s security andthat the two countries shared a common goal, “the resumption ofnegotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, in an environment inwhich they can result in an agreement that ends the conflict.” Heexpressed hope that all permanent-status issues would be resolved.Barak and Mitchell both said proximity talks must begin as soon aspossible, agreeing that the mediated talks would inevitably lead todirect negotiations.Barak praised Mitchell for his dedication in the face of recentdiplomatic clashes between the Israeli government and the Obamaadministration, stressing the necessity of “direct, in-depth talksconcerning an agreement that is essential to all countries in theregion.”Herb Keinon contributed to this report.
Obama, PM to meet Tuesday
In J'lem, Mitchell relays US president's White House invitation to Netanyahu.
Resolve Israel spat quietly, Obama urgedPrior to his meeting with the prime minister, Mitchell met with Defense Minister Ehud Barak at the capital’s King David Hotel. During the meeting, the two held what Mitchell termed “a productive discussion on a full range of issues.”Mitchell stressed that the US was committed to Israel’s security andthat the two countries shared a common goal, “the resumption ofnegotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, in an environment inwhich they can result in an agreement that ends the conflict.” Heexpressed hope that all permanent-status issues would be resolved.Barak and Mitchell both said proximity talks must begin as soon aspossible, agreeing that the mediated talks would inevitably lead todirect negotiations.Barak praised Mitchell for his dedication in the face of recentdiplomatic clashes between the Israeli government and the Obamaadministration, stressing the necessity of “direct, in-depth talksconcerning an agreement that is essential to all countries in theregion.”Herb Keinon contributed to this report.