Palestinian Negotiator Saeb Erekat. Picture: Nati Shohat/Flash90/JTA

Ynet – Senior state officials confirmed Thursday morning that after three years of nearly total disconnect, peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians will be renewed next week in Washington. Two days earlier, the cabinet will discuss gestures such as Palestinian prisoner release, as well as a referendum bill which will require the approval of Israeli citizens of any agreement.

Following a statement from the past weekend by United States Secretary of State John Kerry, it was agreed Wednesday night that Justice Minister Tzipi Livni and the prime minister’s emissary Attorney Yitzhak Molcho would meet with Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat in Washington on Tuesday. The talks are expected to be held under maximum cloak of confidentiality, and only the Americans will address the media and report about the progress.

Read full story.