JERUSALEM – Israeli opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu's office says he will halt the current round of peace talks with the Palestinians if he wins elections next February.
Spokeswoman Dina Libster says the Israeli politician believes the talks over the past year have failed. The talks aim to resolve all key areas of dispute with the Palestinians, including conflicting claims to Jerusalem.
She says Netanyahu believes it's premature to talk about a final peace deal, and sharing control of Jerusalem is out of the question. Instead, he believes any talks with the Palestinians should focus on economic issues.
The talks were launched in Annapolis, Maryland last year. International negotiators this week said talks should continue after President Bush leaves office.
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