Updated

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry in Rome amid growing international pressure for the resumption of peace talks with the Palestinians.

Netanyahu's office said Wednesday that the prime minister will meet Kerry early next week, without providing further details.

Israeli media has reported that the two will discuss resuming talks with the Palestinians that collapsed two years ago.

Netanyahu faces mounting pressure over the conflict with the Palestinians.

He opposes a French initiative, insisting a deal can only be reached in direct negotiations between the two sides. Palestinians have welcomed the French initiative.

The Quartet of Mideast mediators — the U.N., U.S., European Union and Russia — are finalizing a report on the conflict expected to be critical of Israel.