Israeli official says Palestinians unwilling to resume peace talks despite US, Israel push

JERUSALEM – Israel's deputy foreign minister says Palestinians are unwilling to talk peace despite a push by the U.S and Israel to restart negotiations.

Zeev Elkin told Israel Radio on Wednesday that Israel is "ready and willing" to resume talks immediately but that Palestinians are instead pursuing a strategy of international recognition alone.

Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said Tuesday that Palestinians will try to bring Israel up on charges through the United Nations if U.S attempts to resume the talks fail.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry returns to the region next week for consultations.

Talks collapsed in 2008 over Jewish settlement building in areas Palestinians want for their state. Palestinians refuse to talk until construction ends.

Israel says settlements, along with other core issues, should be resolved in negotiations without preconditions.