Palestinians Await Directions from Arab League after Moratorium Lapses

Palestinian Authority head Mahmoud ‘Abbas did not bolt from the direct peace talks with Israel “one hour” after the moratorium on building in post-1967 Israeli communities lapsed as he had threatened. But little appears on the surface to be happening, either, as the Palestinians await input from the Arab League. If there is a positive side, a space for diplomatic wiggle-room does exist (the Arab League doesn’t meet until October 4^th) and western leaders are making use of it in the form of intense pressure being exerted on Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to announce a new freeze and on ‘Abbas to remain at the talks despite the resumption of building on land it claims for a future state. One scenario reportedly still being discussed is a limitation of building permits by Israeli authorities to permissions granted before the freeze took effect. Obama Mideast envoy George Mitchell is rushing to the region on Tuesday to press the parties to find common ground to continue talking.