Israeli Embassy Spokesperson Optimistic Over Upcoming Peace Talks

A spokesperson for the Israeli Embassy expressed optimism Tuesday over the peace peace talks between Israreli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C. later this week.

“We believe definitely that this is feasible,” Jonathan Peled told reporters during a conference call. “There is no reason why the two leaders … cannot achieve a so-long desired and needed agreement of peace.”

Peled offered little detail on the status of the moratorium placed on settlements and what role the upcoming expiration will play on the talks. Peled said that all sides are coming to the table without preconditions and that the issue will be discussed. 

The new peace talks represent the first direct talks since negotiations collapsed in 2008, after the Israelis led a military operation against Hamas in the Gaza strip.

Peled also commented on a recent shooting in the West Bank that left 4 Israelis dead, noting that it was likely an attempt to affect the upcoming meetings.

“It impacts, but it shouldn’t derail the talks,” Peled said.