Palestinian Negotiator Rules Out ‘Interim Deal’

Though Secretary of State John Kerry remains perennially optimistic about the prospect of his framework proposal, both Israeli and Palestinian sides are suggesting it is a non-starter.

The proposal centers around the Israelis accepting 1967 borders as the basis for talks and the Palestinians endorsing Israel as a “Jewish state.” Israeli parties have threatened to collapse the government over the 1967 demand and Abbas has now reportedly rejected the Jewish state one.

Though both sides suggested they were reluctant at the start, they quickly changed tone to express openness to the idea in theory, if not practice. Ultimately it seems this is simply both sides hoping the other side will say “no” first and take the blame.

Palestinian negotiators are also saying they’re not to keen with the “framework” idea itself, saying interim deals are not a way forward and simply reinforce the status quo of endless talks.