Special report: Palestine-Israel Relations

    JERUSALEM, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Foreign Minister TzipiLivni said on Tuesday that peace negotiations with moderate Palestinians and "the war on terror" should be pursued simultaneously, local daily The Jerusalem Post reported.

    Livni outlined the basic principles of Israeli policy regarding the Gaza Strip and the West Bank during a meeting with visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

    The Israeli top diplomat said that Israel plans to negotiate with moderate Palestinian officials in the West Bank while simultaneously continues "the war on terror" in Gaza. Livni's remarks echo a speech by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Monday.

Israel's Prime Minister Ehud Olmert (R) and German Chancellor Angela Merkel (3rd L) attend a joint cabinet meeting at Olmert's office in Jerusalem March 17, 2008. Merkel began on Sunday a highly symbolic visit to Israel, where she will become the first German chancellor to address its parliament more than 60 years after the Nazi Holocaust that killed 6 million Jews.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    Addressing a meeting of Israeli and German cabinet ministers in honor of visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Olmert said Israel would spare no effort to prevent Hamas from hurting its citizens and at the same time try to promote the peace process with the Palestinians.

    "At the same time and regardless of the (security) situation, we will continue to push the peace process between us and the (Palestinian) pragmatists, headed by Abu Mazen (Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas)," Olmert said.

    As for Iran and Hamas, Livni called on the world to act decisively towards them, saying that hesitation was likely to be perceived by extremists as a victory, strengthen their resolve, and cast a negative influence on the entire region.

    Earlier on Tuesday, Israeli President Shimon Peres told Merkel during a meeting at the president's residence in Jerusalem that the U.S. and Europe must present a united front in order top revent Iran from developing a nuclear bomb.

    Iran was accused of trying to develop nuclear weapons under the cover of a civilian nuclear program but the Islamic Republic has denied the charges and insisted that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only.

Israeli, German ministers approve joint projects to boost ties

    JERUSALEM, March 17 (Xinhua) -- Israel and Germany on Monday approved a host of joint projects and agreed to hold annual government consultations during German Chancellor Angela Merkel's visit to the Jewish state, in a clear sign to boost bilateral ties.

    Merkel and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert chaired a joint session of members of their respective cabinets, at which both governments signed off on a range of projects, including defense, education and environment, local daily Ha'aretz reported. Full story

Merkel highlights special ties with Israel ahead of visit

    BERLIN, March 15 (Xinhua) -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday spoke of the importance of Germany's special relations with Israel on the eve of her three-day visit to the Jewish state.     

    Aware that the upcoming trip will highlight Germany's responsibility to the past and promote future-oriented cooperation, Merkel said Germany will take its historical responsibility seriously. Full story