Nine Israeli leftist parties call for salvaging Middle East peace

Nine Israeli leftist organizations held Prime Minister Netanyahu's government responsible for the collapse of negotiations between the Palestinians and the Israelis, saying that Netanyahu's government prefers to continue settlement rather than give peace negotiations a push forward.

In messages addressed to the US, the European Union and the UN, the nine parties called for strong efforts to salvage the negotiations damaged by policy pursued by Netanyahu's government in its rejection to implement agreements signed with the Palestinians. The organizations noted that firm action could be carried out by the US, Britain, the EU and the UN that would help the realization of just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East.

Meanwhile, the secretary of the Israeli government, Danny Naveh, criticized the parties' message, claiming only Netanyahu can settle Israeli problems. The message was also criticized by the chairman of the Israeli settlement council in the West Bank and the Israeli minister of communications.