14:59 GMT, Thursday, 27 August 2009 15:59 UK
Press commentators across much of the Middle East say little good will come of talks held this week between Western officials and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Two Egyptian papers say Mr Netanyahu was trying to "swindle" the West with his current stance on Israeli settlements, while a Jordanian commentator accused him of "manoeuvring" and trying to delay meaningful peace negotiations.
Meanwhile, Israeli commentators have focused on the potential details of a US-Israeli agreement to halt settlement building, and what they see as a softening in Netanyahu's approach to the issue since he came to power.
HAFITH AL-BARGHUTHI IN PALESTINIAN AL-HAYAT AL-JADIDAH
The outcome of the London meeting between Netanyahu and Mitchell is not important because the Israeli government wants to continue the construction of the settlements under the guise of completing current projects.
EGYPT'S AL-AHRAM
Netanyahu insists on eluding international resolutions and swindling the USA and Western countries which are requesting a freeze on all forms settlement activities. He promised not to build new settlements if the peace process was resumed, yet he insists on expanding existing ones.
MUHAMMAD ABU-AL-HADID IN EGYPT'S AL-JUMHURIYAH
Netanyahu is still the biggest swindler when it comes to peace talks. Like he did before, he is wasting time in manoeuvres and side issues… the game we have come to know by heart will be repeated.
EGYPT'S AL-JUMHURIYAH
Netanyahu's positions against peace are well known. These positions require a strong stance from his European hosts… the international community is fed up with its hostile policies and continuous refusal of peace initiatives.
JORDAN'S AL-DUSTUR
Netanyahu's statements in London yesterday confirm that Israel is continuing with its hostile policies.
MUHAMMAD KA'USH IN JORDAN'S AL-ARAB AL-YAWM:
Netanyahu is manoeuvring, eluding and wants to draw attention to side issues to buy more time and create new facts on the ground on Palestinian land. This will extinguish any hope that a state or even autonomy could be created.
MAYA BENGAL IN ISRAEL'S MA'ARIV
If the Americans accept the Israeli proposal, this will be an achievement for Netanyahu… On the other hand, Netanyahu will become the first prime minister who officially agreed to freeze construction of other buildings in the settlements.
DOUGLAS BLOOMFIELD IN ISRAEL'S JERUSALEM POST
Despite his initially defiant tone on settlements, Netanyahu is now boasting that he hasn't issued a single new building permit since taking office, and tenders for new construction are suspended until 2010.
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