The Palestinian Authority has rejected an Israeli demand to be recognized as a Jewish state in return for the extension of a partial settlement freeze. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would order a halt to construction if Palestinians acknowledge Israel as “the homeland of the Jewish people.” Palestinians have long rejected such a demand as an affront on the rights of Palestinian refugees expelled from Israel as well as those who still live there. Palestinian Authority spokesperson Nabil Abu Rdainah said Palestinians have already agreed to recognize Israel within its pre-1967 borders.

Nabil Abu Rdainah: “What he is saying has nothing to do with negotiations. We are not in any way going to get involved with such a discussion. Our position is clear: we recognize the state of Israel; there should be complete cessation of settlement activities. And that’s not just the Palestinian position, it’s the Arab position.”