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Israel's Livni rules out Turkey role in talks -- for now

Israel's lead peace negotiator Tzipi Livni on Sunday ruled out Turkey taking an immediate role in reviving talks with the Palestinians, shortly before US Secretary of State John Kerry flew in. Asked if Turkey could play an important role in the peace process -- an idea raised by Kerry at a press conference earlier in the day in Istanbul -- she told public radio: "The idea is interesting, but it could take time."

Israel's Livni rules out Turkey role in talks -- for now

Israel's lead peace negotiator Tzipi Livni on Sunday ruled out Turkey taking an immediate role in reviving peace talks with the Palestinians, shortly before US Secretary of State John Kerry flew in. Asked if Turkey could play an important role in the peace process -- an idea raised by Kerry at a press conference earlier the same day in Istanbul -- she told public radio: "The idea is interesting, but it could take time." jlr-hmw/hc

Tactical nous at heart of improved Israel - coach

By Ori Lewis JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Improved discipline and tactical ability from Israel's players are the reasons for the team's continued challenge for a World Cup qualification spot, coach Eli Guttman said on Wednesday. The Israelis returned home after beating Northern Ireland 2-0 in a tough Group F qualifier in Belfast and were seconds away on Friday from defeating Portugal at home before conceding a stoppage-time equaliser.

Israel battle to 2-0 win in Northern Ireland

(Reuters) - Israel kept alive their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup finals with two late goals with a battling performance in a Group F qualifier against Northern Ireland in Belfast on Tuesday. The hosts enjoyed the bulk of possession and threatened the Israeli goal more often, forcing an excellent first-half save from goalkeeper Dudu Aouate before Lior Refaelov broke the deadlock in the 77th minute.

Israel, Turkey have 'a thousand reasons' to be friends: Peres

Israel and Turkey have "a thousand reasons" to be on friendly terms again following an air-clearing apology over the deaths of nine Turks in a 2010 raid on a Gaza-bound flotilla, Israeli President Shimon Peres said on Turkish television Sunday. "I can think of a thousand reasons why Turkey and Israel should be friends; I cannot find one reason why they shouldn't be friends," Peres said in an interview with CNN Turk.

Kerry meets Netanyahu after talks with Abbas

US Secretary of State John Kerry held talks Saturday evening with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, after earlier discussing ways to push a new peace plan with Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas, US and Israeli sources said. Public radio said Netanyahu and Kerry will have a first round of private talks and then will be joined by Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, Israel's negotiator in talks with the Palestinians.

Kerry to talk with Netanyahu after Abbas meeting

US Secretary of State John Kerry was to hold talks Saturday evening with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, after earlier discussing ways to push a new peace plan with Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas. Public radio said Netanyahu and Kerry will have a first round of private talks and then will be joined by Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, who is also to head peace talks with Palestinians.

Erdogan says Israeli apology shows Turkey's new clout

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday an Israeli apology for the 2010 deaths of nine Turkish pro-Palestinian activists that was brokered by U.S. President Barack Obama met Turkey's conditions and signalled its growing regional influence. "We are entering a new period in both Turkey and the region," said Erdogan, who plans to visit the Palestinian territories, including the Gaza Strip, next month.

Obama brokers Israel-Turkey rapprochement

By Jeffrey Heller JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel apologised to Turkey on Friday for killing nine Turkish citizens in a 2010 naval raid on a Gaza-bound flotilla and the two feuding U.S. allies agreed to normalise relations in a surprise breakthrough announced by U.S. President Barack Obama. The rapprochement could help regional coordination to contain spillover from the Syrian civil war and ease Israel's diplomatic isolation in the Middle East as it faces challenges posed by Iran's nuclear programme.

High winds force Obama to drive, not fly to Bethlehem

A fierce sandstorm hit Jerusalem Friday, forcing US President Barack Obama to travel by motorcade to the West Bank city of Bethlehem rather than by helicopter as scheduled, Israeli police said. What started out as a sunny but windy morning with few clouds in the sky quickly deteriorated into a sandstorm with gale-force winds buffeting the city and forcing a last-minute change in the president's plans.
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