U.S. ‘Disappointed’ in Israel with Mideast Peace Talks in Danger of Collapsing

U.S. officials expressed “disappointment” with Israel on Monday while trying to keep Mideast peace talks from collapsing. Secretary of State Clinton met with allies in New York and dispatched special envoy George Mitchell to the region to try to work out a compromise – even as Israeli settlers cranked up bulldozers for new construction in the West Bank.Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas held off on his threat to walk out of talks – which kicked off at the White House this month with the goal of reaching a final agreement within a year.

Abbas said he would decide whether to resume negotiations after an Arab League meeting next week.

“We will not have swift reactions now,” Abbas said.

State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said that the U.S. is “disappointed” with Israeli Prime Minister Bibi  Netanyahu’s decision to let the 10-month moratorium on new construction in the West Bank expire.

“We remain focused on our long-term objective, and we’ll be talking to the parties about the implications of the Israeli decision,” Crowley said.

“One way or the other, the parties have to find a way to continue the direct negotiations,” Crowley added.

The U.S. has yet to outline the details of a compromise.

{NY Daily News/Matzav.com}