NEWS:
The US reportedly gave Israel and the Palestinians
letters of assurance in order to facilitate talks. (Ha'aretz)
Negotiations have begun, but so far there has apparently been
little progress. (Daily Beast)
The
Palestinian flag is raised in the Knesset during a meeting of the pro-peace caucus. (Jerusalem Post)
Hamas dismisses Egyptian allegations about the group's activities as
"preposterous." (Al Monitor)
Palestinians are still reportedly buying
settlement goods despite PA efforts to ban them. (Al Monitor)
COMMENTARY:
Brent Sasley asks what's different about these negotiations. (Daily Beast/Open Zion)
David Horovitz says there are seven things different about this American approach to seeking peace. (Times of Israel)
Robert Danin explains the reasons for widespread cautious pessimism . (CNN)
Rami Khouri suggests what to look for in the unfolding negotiations. (The Daily Star)
Dmitry Shumsky says Netanyahu wouldn't be betraying his ideological roots by agreeing to a Palestinian state. (Ha'aretz)
Nahum Barnea says Netanyahu should be more honest with the Israeli public about the reasons for his actions. (YNet)
Nathan Guttman and
Joyce Karam separately look at the role of new Middle East Special Envoy Martin Indyk. (The Forward/Al Arabiya)
The Times of Israel interviews
Deputy FM Elkin, who says Netanyahu is wrong to consider a Palestinian state. (Times of Israel)
The Jerusalem Post says it supports an agreement but doesn't trust Palestinian sincerity. (Jerusalem Post)
Mazal Mualem says Israel's prisoner release debate was filled with hypocrisy. (Al Monitor)
Rachel Shabi says the EU is being more proactive in promoting peace than the US. (The National)
Alan Baker says the EU is taking a hypocritical attitude towards Israel. (Ha'aretz)
Liam Hoare says Israel will always be a subject of disproportionate emotions, both positive and negative. (Ha'aretz)