Middle East Peace Process

Officials do not rule out normalizing ties with Israel even under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

"A settlement, if it is to be reached, will come about solely through direct negotiations between the parties, without preconditions," the declaratory cabinet resolution states. "Israel will continue to oppose unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state. Such recognition in the wake of the October 7 massacre would be a massive and unprecedented reward to terrorism and would prevent any future peace settlement," it continues.

The proposal includes a timeline for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, conditional on progress on key issues like settlements and security guarantees for Israel.

Under proposed deal, in exchange for the return of the captives, Israel would halt its military operation and release a yet-to-be-determined number of terrorists. The rounds of the deal are expected to take place over approximately two months, allowing Hamas to claim that Israel has ended the war as demanded. 

Among the suggestions of Biden's fellow Democrats is that any agreement include "meaningful" provisions to preserve the option of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

One source noted that on the big issues there are no insurmountable gaps because the disagreements are not substantial, adding that American emphasis on the Palestinian aspect has been perceived as over the top.

“All sides have hammered out, I think, a basic framework for what we might be able to drive at,” White House official John Kirby says, amid ongoing efforts to bring the Sunni kingdom into the Abraham Accords.

Haim Katz is expected to take part in various events and forums during his two-day visit. He will also hold meetings with his various counterparts, with a focus on those from the region.