Ahead Of Obama Arrival, New Israeli Government Sends Mixed Messages About Mideast Peace
By Associated Press, Updated: Monday, March 18, 4:15 PM
JERUSALEM — Ahead of the arrival of President Barack Obama on a high-profile Mideast mission, Israel’s new government on Monday sent mixed messages about pursuing peace with the Palestinians.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a speech to parliament that his hand is outstretched in peace and that he is ready for a “historic compromise,” but one of his closest allies called hopes for peace “delusional.”
The conflicting signals gave a glimpse of the infighting that is likely to hinder the government if Netanyahu, who has historically been reluctant to make serious concessions to the Palestinians, decides to launch any new diplomatic initiatives.
“The rhetoric about peace is one thing and doing peace is something else. Doing peace requires deeds,” Saeb Erekat, the chief Palestinian negotiator, said of the new Israeli government.
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http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/key-israeli-politician-says-peace-with-palestinians-is-impossible/2013/03/18/01bdd462-8fc8-11e2-9173-7f87cda73b49_story.html