A Tough Human Rights Report -- Jan. 30, 1997

Praise For Hebron Agreement -- Jan. 15, 1997

Clinton, Netanyahu Huddle Up To Talk Peace

WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, Feb. 13) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Bill Clinton are huddling in the White House this afternoon, discussing how best to move the peace process along now that Israel has turned the West Bank town of Hebron over to the Palestinian Authority.

Before the session began, Clinton applauded Netanyahu for his success in dealing with Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat on the issue of Hebron. "And I'm looking forward to the next steps," he added.

Netanyahu said, "I think we've taken bold steps for peace. It's time that we see such steps from our partners as well. And if we have this mutuality, we will have, I think, a great future, a different future and hope for our children and our grandchildren."

Clinton and Netanyahu were also expected to discuss how to restart negotiations between Israel and Syria, and what to do about a possible U.S. sale of F-16 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. Netanyahu has been quoted as saying Israel would view such a sale "with severity."

The two leaders are expected to have a joint press conference later this afternoon once their talks are over. The two made brief statements before their meeting but deferred questions until later.