Thursday, December 5, 2013

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Jenin at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Hebron at night. (PCHR 12/12)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry arrives in the region and holds talks with PA Pres. Abbas in Ramallah to discuss a possible future peace agreement with Israel and the state of the negotiations. A Palestinian negotiator tells the media that Kerry did not present a final proposal and that discussions will continue. Kerry meanwhile affirms that the goal is a “viable Palestinian state.” Kerry also holds talks with Israeli PM Netanyahu, where, in addition to discussing the peace process, the U.S. diplomat offers assurances that core sanctions targeting Iran would remain in place throughout the 6-mo. interim period agreed on in Geneva. (REU, WAFA 12/5)