Septet talks delegitimization of Israel, UN flotilla probe

Ministerial forum makes point of releasing statement after meeting saying that peace talks, possible freeze extension not discussed.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Netanyahu arrives at cabinet meeting 311 (photo credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Netanyahu arrives at cabinet meeting 311
(photo credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS)
The seven member ministerial forum known as the 'septet' met on Tuesday, discussing the delegitimization of Israel and the ongoing UN investigation into the Turkish flotilla incident.
The septet made a point of releasing a statement afterward, saying that they did not discuss efforts being made to enable the continuation of peace talks. There had been media speculation that the ministerial forum would discuss a possible extension of the moratorium on West Bank settlement building in hopes of saving stalled negotiations with the Palestinians.
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According to the statement, the septet discussed the campaign of delegitimization being waged against Israel globally.
The ministers were also briefed by Dr. Joseph Ciechanover, the Israeli representative on the UN panel investigating the events surrounding the May 31 raid of the Gaza-bound aid ship the Mavi Marmara. Ciechanover discussed the expected timetable for the panel's continued work.
The government has not announced whether or not the potential freeze extension or other efforts to enable continued peace talks will be discussed in Wednesday's scheduled security cabinet meeting.
An Arab League meeting to discuss settlement building and its impact on the resumption of the talks, initiated by the Palestinian Authority, will be held on Friday in Libya. The PA has repeatedly stated that it will not return to the negotiating table as long as building in the settlements continues.