Netanyahu refuses to hand over solution map to John Kerry

The Hebrew-speaking newspaper (Maariv) revealed in its edition published today that the government of Benjamin Netanyahu refuses to hand over a "solution map" to the US Secretary of State, John Kerry, in response to a request from the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. The newspaper added that President Abbas set a condition to return to negotiations only after obtaining such map and if he insists on that, Kerry shall fail in his mission. President Abbas's political advisor, Nemir Hammad, said to return to negotiations, Netanyahu should recognize the 1967 borders, adding that President Abbas wants to know Netanyahu's position regarding the two states' solution and we demand him to present maps to US Department of State's Secretary John Kerry. Netanyahu's close cronies said that presenting maps will weaken the Israeli position which will be exploited by the Palestinian side before Netanyahu announces his position regarding the return to negotiations. The Jewish newspaper said that the Palestinian side was pessimistic regarding possibility of returning to negotiations. Palestinian President Abbas is due to meet with Kerry but President Abbas still insists on his clear position vis-à-vis suspension of settlements and release POWs and creation of the Palestinian State on the pre-June 1967 boundaries with its capital in Eastern Jerusalem. A Turkish newspaper revealed that Washington had requested from Erdogan to mediate between the Palestinians and Israelis in negotiations in order to include HAMAS in negotiations. Israeli national security advisor, Yagoub Amidor, said that it would be better not to reach any agreement with Palestinians unless a security agreement has been reached which ensures Israel's security.