US to Privately Grade Mideast Peace Plan

Says Palestinian militants must first cease attacks, recognize Israel

(NEWSER) - Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert today refused to consider a truce with Hamas until the militant Palestinian group recognizes Israel and halts attacks in Gaza, reports the BBC. Olmert told government officials that Israel is gaining ground in stopping rocket attacks, of which 1,000 have hit Israel since Hamas seized power in June. "This war will continue," he said. More»

Takes mission to Jerusalem, West Bank

(NEWSER) - Condoleezza Rice took her diplomatic tour to Jerusalem and the West Bank today, hoping to rekindle peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian government of Mahmoud Abbas. Rice comes bearing a promise from Saudi Arabia to support the peace conference proposed by the White House for later this year, Reuters reports. More»

(NEWSER) - Hillary Clinton met separately with the Palestinian president and prime minister in the West Bank today, after sitting down with Israeli leaders yesterday, and announcing the appointment of two senior envoys to Syria. Palestinian leaders implored Clinton to push for a freeze on expanding Israeli West Bank settlements, and open borders for Gaza. As the new occupants of the White House reconfigure the US approach to the Middle East, they believe Syria could be the key to the puzzle, the New York Times reports. More»

Investigation could trip up peace deal Rice calls 'achievable'

(NEWSER) - Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's talks in Jerusalem yesterday to bolster the Mideast peace process were overshadowed by an intensifying police investigation into activities by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, reports the New York Times. A court gag order is keeping investigation details under wraps, but observers indicate the probe is linked to bribery. More»

Rice urges Abbas: don't let extremists win

(NEWSER) - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas refused to commit to resuming peace talks with Israel yesterday despite entreaties from Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, the New York Times reports. "I call on the Israeli government to halt its aggression so the necessary environment can be created to make negotiations succeed," Abbas said. More»