Israel rejects ‘preconditions’

ISRAELI officials yesterday rejected any “preconditions” ahead of an expected international invitation to direct peace talks with the Palestinians that would call for a complete settlement freeze.

Their remarks came as Washington appeared to be closing in on the relaunch of direct negotiations after months of shuttle diplomacy that have thus far failed to convince the Palestinians to enter face-to-face talks.

“Israel is ready to start direct negotiations immediately, but without any preconditions,” an Israeli official said, on condition of anonymity.