Kerry to meet with Palestinian negotiators

Secretary of State John Kerry is scheduled to meet with Palestinian negotiators on Wednesday in Washington.

“I think they’ll talk about a range of issues,” said State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki on Tuesday. “There’s obviously an ongoing cease-fire discussion, and you know, upcoming negotiations that will take place.

{mosads}“There’s a range of longer-term issues,” she added.

Kerry was also expected to speak to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by phone on Tuesday afternoon.

The conversations with both sides come a week after a long-term cease-fire was reached between Israel and Hamas after more than a month of fighting in the Gaza Strip.

Despite the lull in the conflict, both Israel and the Palestinians are moving ahead with plans the U.S. considers provocative.

On Sunday, Netanyahu announced the appropriation of nearly 1,000 acres in the West Bank near Bethlehem. An anti-settlement group deemed the plan the biggest acquisition in 30 years.

The U.S. has called on Israel to reverse this decision, Psaki said Tuesday, which she said undermines the possibility of a two-state solution. 

“These steps are contrary to Israel’s stated goal of negotiating a permanent status agreement with the Palestinians, and it would send a very troubling message if they proceed,” Psaki said in a statement. 

Palestinians, meanwhile, say they plan to submit a resolution to the United Nations this month that would set a three-year deadline for the end of Israel’s occupation.

Psaki reiterated the U.S. would not budge in opposition to the resolution. 

“I think you’re familiar with our history. I don’t think anything will change in that regard,” she said.