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Mideast peace negotiations, Kerry says Israeli security is key to deal with Palestinians

Associated Press
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U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, left, retrieves his notes from the podium after giving a joint statement with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the prime minister's office in Jerusalem, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013. Kerry is visiting Jerusalem and Ramallah to have the Israeli-Palestinian peace talk and to consult Israeli officials about Iran. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, Pool) (The Associated Press)

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry delivers remarks during a joint statement with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the prime minister's office in Jerusalem, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013. Kerry is visiting Jerusalem and Ramallah to have the Israeli-Palestinian peace talk and to consult Israeli officials about Iran. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, Pool) (The Associated Press)

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, left, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shakes hands during their joint statement at the prime minister's office in Jerusalem, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013. Kerry is visiting Jerusalem and Ramallah to have the Israeli-Palestinian peace talk and to consult Israeli officials about Iran. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, Pool) (The Associated Press)

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry says Israel's security is a necessary part of its ongoing peace negotiations with Palestinians, a process he described as making some progress.

Kerry met for three hours Thursday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and was headed for similar talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas as the negotiations entered a fifth month without any major breakthroughs.

Kerry said the U.S. gave Netanyahu some suggestions on ways to bolster Israel's security as part of the peace negotiations, but did not offer specifics.

The meeting sought in part to placate Netanyahu after world powers reached a tentative agreement with Iran over curbing Tehran's nuclear program in a separate deal that infuriated Israel.

Netanyahu warned anew against easing harsh sanctions against Iran during those negotiations.