Israel’s cabinet is preparing to vote on a package of U.S. incentives to extend a West Bank settlement freeze and revive peace talks with the Palestinian Authority. The Obama administration has offered to give Israel 20 advanced F-35 warplanes worth around $3 billion and veto U.N. resolutions seeking Middle East peace. The veto pledge could be seen as a tacit endorsement of Israel’s rejection of the two-state solution based on the 1967 borders, which has been regularly backed in U.N. votes. Israel would only have to suspend settlement construction for 90 days, and the freeze wouldn’t apply to occupied East Jerusalem. The deal would also lead to a new bilateral security pact to strengthen U.S.-Israeli ties. The United States has also assured Israel it would not seek another extension after the freeze expires. Israel rejected a similar proposal last month but is now said to be seriously considering the new offer. Israeli cabinet member Avishay Braverman called the deal a boon for Israel.

Avishay Braverman: “Somehow this week the Prime Minister will have to approve it [the U.S. offer], whatever form it takes, because this is such a great offer, security-wise. But for the sake of the interest of Israel, I would say to the Prime Minister, 'Extend the freeze even for four, five months.'”

The Palestinian Authority has refused to negotiate with Israel so long as settlement building continues. PA spokesperson Ghassan Khatib said Palestinians fear the incentive deal would further undermine Palestinian rights.

Ghassan Khatib: “We hope that the American efforts to convince Israel to stop this expansion of settlements in order to resume negotiations will work and succeed. However, we also hope that these guarantees will be compatible with the international legality and does not violate or infringe on any of the Palestinian rights guaranteed in the international legality.”