Meanwhile, the Arab League is preparing to renew its peace offer to Israel in return for Israel’s withdrawal from the Occupied Territories. Israel rejected the overture when it was made five years ago. Meanwhile, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged Israelis and Palestinians to take steps toward a settlement.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon: “I encourage the new Palestinian unity government to take action which demonstrates a true commitment to peace through a negotiated two-state solution. And I encourage Israel to do the same by (stopping) settlement activity and barrier construction in the West Bank and engaging in serious dialogue with President Abbas on a political horizon for a final settlement.”