Israeli building could derail talks

Israel’s move to expand settlements in occupied West Bank threatens newly agreed talks with Palestinians.

MidEast peace talks

Amid an American diplomatic offensive comprising visits by the vice-president, Joe Biden, and the US Middle East envoy, George Mitchell, Israel and the Palestinian Authority have agreed to hold indirect negotiations after more than a year of deep freeze.

But even before ties could begin to thaw, Israel’s move to expand illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank a day after agreeing to talks, has turned things frosty again.

Tom Ackerman reports on how the latest talks may not even get off the ground.

Source: Al Jazeera