The Morning Beat - February 23

Forming Israel's next government

Binyamin Netanyahu, tasked with forming a government coalition, has not succeeded to strike a deal with either Tzipi Livni or Ehud Barak. He is due to hold a second meeting with Livni, but she so far holds that the chances of her joining a coalition are slim.

Cease-fire stalled because of political feud?

Ehud Olmert has removed Amos Gilad from his position as Israel's Hamas cease-fire negotiator. The rift began after Gilad criticized Olmert's decision to not implement a cease-fire unless captive Corporal Gilad Shalit was released first. This political rift, some critics say, now jeopardizes the Shalit deal altogether.

Palestinian Unity

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called for a Palestinian unity government today.

Following a meeting with Czech President Vaclav Klaus, he said that,

including Hamas should continue the peace process on the basis of previous agreements such as the existence of two states and no more building of settlements in Gaza.

American Peace Moves

Special Middle East Envoy George Mitchell will arrive in Israel this week for his second trip since he was appointed on January 22^nd. Today Ma'ariv reports that he plans to set up a regularly staffed office in Jerusalem. This move, considered crucial for making real progress on the ground, was called for by many Middle East analysts.