Netanyahu determines to move forward with peace process

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday said he was resolved to attain a final-status agreement with the Palestinians, indicating that he wanted initial steps to focus on the economic sphere. I am determined not only to resume the peace process with the Palestinians, but to make a serious effort to end this conflict once and for all, Netanyahu said during a meeting with US Secretary of State John Kerry, who was in Israel for his third visit since taking office in February. Israel s attempts to reengage the Palestinian Authority would include economic components, Netanyahu said, adding that he welcomes any initiatives that Washington or other parties might have in this regard. Political issues that will need to be addressed include Palestinian recognition of Israel as the homeland of the Jewish people and the imperative for security for Israel s citizens, Netanyahu said. Kerry, who on Monday night met with Netanyahu, Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, International Affairs Minister Yuval Steinitz and Defense Minister Moshe Ya alon, acknowledged that deliberations about how to jumpstart negotiations included some economic initiative, but suggested that real progress will only be achieved if both sides are ready for tangible political concessions. We want to make it absolutely clear that whatever steps we take with respect to economics are in no way a substitute, but they are in addition to the political track. The political track is first and foremost; other things may happen to supplement it, he said. Kerry, who will spend the next weeks and months engaging in shuttle diplomacy between the US, Israel and Ramallah trying to get Israelis and Palestinians back to the negotiating table, said his meeting was very productive and that progress was made. Now Israel and the US have to do some homework in trying to assess ways to proceed, he added. US President Barack Obama, during his visit in March, endorsed Israel s position in favor of new talks without preconditions. Still, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is understood to be demanding assurances that Israel is prepared in principle to relinquish 100\% of the West Bank, with various one-for-one land swaps to enable Israel to keep key settlement blocs.