U.S. welcomes Israel call to resume talks

The United States has welcomed the Israeli government's indication it was ready to resume talks with the Palestinians."The U.S. once again calls on both parties to resume negotiations without preconditions, on the timetable proposed by the Quartet, as the best means to advance their interests, resolve their differences, and fulfill the President's two-state vision," State department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said in a statement, late on Sunday.The announcement came the same day Defense Secretary Leon Panetta embarked on a trip to Israel and Egypt. He would meet with Israeli and Palestinian officials, amid high tension over Israel's plans to build 1,100 new settlements in south Jerusalem and the Palestinian Authorities pushed for recognition by the United Nations. Israel announced Sunday that it supports the Middle East Quartet's call for direct talks with Palestinian leaders to resume within a month.In Israel, the media network, Haaretz, said Panetta's talks with the Israeli leaders would deal with security cooperation between Tel Aviv and Washington, the Palestinians' bid to win international recognition of their aspired independent state, the Arab Spring and the Iranian nuclear program.Panetta, talking to newsmen while en route to Israel, expressed concern that the Israelis might face increasing isolation in the Middle East in the future. He confirmed that he would assure the leaders in Tel Aviv regarding the US security commitments toward Israel.