The resumption of direct meetings between the Palestinians and Israelis has been predicted by Israeli media sources. The talks will be held under American auspices, said Israel Radio.

According to the sources, high-profile Palestinian officials are expected in Israel by the end of this week to meet with the two American envoys, Dennis Ross and George Mitchell. They will study the possibility of resuming the political negotiation process between the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

Israel's Prime Minister urged the Palestinians to act promptly to push the peace process forward. His government, stressed Benjamin Netanyahu, "is the government of Israel that the PA should communicate with without waiting for the formation of another government."