On March 4, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) that Tel Aviv wants an accord to resolve the conflict with Palestinians, but they must first recognize Israel as a “Jewish state.” Abbas has rejected the demand.

In reaction to Netanyahu comments, Arab foreign ministers said in a statement issued on Sunday in Cairo that the council of the Arab League “confirms its support for the Palestinian leadership in its effort to end the Israeli occupation over Palestinian lands, and emphasizes its rejection of recognizing Israel as a 'Jewish state'.”

The AL also said Tel Aviv settlement construction on the Palestinian lands is illegal and against international law.

The United States want Abbas to make the concession as part of efforts to reach a "framework agreement" and extend the talks between Tel Aviv and the Palestinian Authority, which are set to end in April.

Palestinian and Israeli negotiators began a fresh round of talks in July 2013. Since the resumption of the direct talks, Palestinians have objected to a number of issues, including the illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.

The last round of Israeli-Palestinian talks broke down in 2010 after Tel Aviv refused to halt its settlement construction, a move that remains one of the main obstacles to the regional peace.

SHI/SHI