Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak and United States special envoy to the Middle East George Mitchell met in New York yesterday to talk about the Middle East peace process and mainly the American demand to halt settlement construction activity.  In a joint statement following the meeting, the pair said their talk covered “measures needed to create a climate conducive to peace… The discussions were constructive and will continue soon.” 

Barak and Mitchell gave some details about their private meeting, saying the discussed “incitement by the Palestinians; steps by Arab states toward normalization with Israel; and, from Israel, actions including on access and movement in the West Bank and on settlement activity.” 

After the meeting, Mitchell agreed to set up a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.