Netanyahu takes softer line on Palestinian talks

ISRAELI opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday pledged to continue negotiations with the Palestinians if he wins February elections, backing away from earlier hints he would abandon peace talks.

But Netanyahu gave no indication he would make significant concessions.

Netanyahu refuses to discuss the future of the disputed city of Jerusalem, one of the “core issues” in negotiations for the past year. On Sunday, international Mideast mediators reaffirmed this framework, even as Netanyahu’s office said he did not. Netanyahu’s position on other key issues also falls far short of Palestinian and international demands.