JERUSALEM, Nov. 1 (UPI) -- Israel's Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz plans to hold talks with Palestinian officials next week, the London Financial Times reported.
The proposed talks indicate a possible thaw in relations between Israel and the Palestinian administration, the Times said.
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has said he would be ready to talk to Ahmed Qurei when the Palestinian prime minister has consolidated his position and formed a permanent government.
The announcements followed a media storm over comments made by Lt. Gen. Moshe Yaalon, Israel's top-ranking soldier, who said tough military measures against the Palestinians were backfiring.
He said the policy of blockades, curfews and demolitions was against Israel's "strategic interest."
Palestinian officials welcomed the chance of new talks and the defense minister's comments. However, they expressed doubt about whether the talks would lead to any substantial improvement of conditions or an end to the occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
