Israel and Palestine hold first high-level talks in years

Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz has held talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the first high-level meeting between the two sides in years, officials said. (Abir Sultan/Pool/AP)

Israel’s defence minister has held talks with the Palestinian president in Ramallah, the first high-level meeting between the two sides in years, officials said.

Sunday’s meeting between Benny Gantz and Mahmoud Abbas signalled a possible shift of direction after the near-complete breakdown of communication between Mr Abbas and Israeli leaders in recent years.