Middle East Quartet cancels planned visit to Israel

A delegation of representatives of the Middle East Quartet – comprising the members from US, Russia, the EU and the UN – was expected to arrive in Israel this week but canceled its trip following a request from PM Netanyahu, Haaretz reports.

The delegation was expected to hold meetings in Jerusalem and Ramallah and to discuss bilateral steps to restore trust and de-escalate violence.

Haaretz quotes a senior Israeli official and a senior diplomat from one of the member entities of the Quartet as sayng the trip was canceled because Netanyahu objected to the visit at this time.

Yesterday Netanyahu talked with EU Foreign Policy chief Federica Mogherini, who is leading the Quartet’s initiative. Netanyahu reportedly told her that in light of the security situation there is no point in the Quartet delegation coming to Israel. This morning the Quartet announced that the visit will not take place.