Peace negotiations with Palestinian representatives began at the State Department on Monday night (July 29, 2013) with an Iftar dinner hosted by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Ambassador Martin Indyk. Negotiations will resume on Tuesday with a bilateral meeting between the Israeli negotiators, Justice Minister Tzipi Livni and Yitzhak Molcho joined by Palestinian negotiators Saeb Erekat and Mohammed Shtayyeh.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made the following remarks at the start of the weekly Cabinet meeting on Sunday: “I believe that resuming the diplomatic process at this time is important for the State of Israel both in order to try to bring about an end to the conflict and given the complex reality in our region, especially the security challenges from Syria and Iran.”

Before negotiations began, Secretary Kerry issued his praise for the resumption of peace negotiations at a press conference held at the State Department on Monday: “Getting to this resumption has also taken the courageous leadership of Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Abbas. And I salute both of them for their willingness to make difficult decisions and to advocate within their own countries and with their own leadership teams.”

President Barack Obama issued a statement as well: “The most difficult work of these negotiations is ahead, and I am hopeful that both the Israelis and Palestinians will approach these talks in good faith and with sustained focus and determination. The United States stands ready to support them throughout these negotiations, with the goal of achieving two states, living side by side in peace and security.”