Netanyahu rejects Russian proposal for summit with Abbas

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected a Russian proposal to hold a political summit with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, Quds Press reported on Friday. Russia has suggested that the summit be held in Moscow or anywhere else agreed by the two parties.

According to reports coming out of the Russian capital, when the proposal was made, Netanyahu agreed as long as it was unconditional. He later retracted his support for the idea. Abbas, it is believed, accepted the proposal without reservations.

Nevertheless, Israeli radio claims that the offer is still on the table. Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister and Special Presidential Envoy for the Middle East, Mikhail Bogdanov, highlighted the proposal during a recent meeting with the Israeli ambassador in Moscow.

Russia: Israeli settlements reduce chances for peace