Israel’s approval to construct 112 new apartments in a Jewish community in Judea and Samaria is likely to stall attempts to launch indirect talks with the Palestinians, who not only accuse Israel of undermining efforts to resume talks between the sides, but suggest that perhaps there is no point in advancing efforts further.  
 

Reports that Defense Minister Ehud Barak approved the construction of the new apartments Monday, came hours before the arrival of U.S. Vice President Joe Biden to Israel, and amid efforts by U.S. envoy to the Middle East George Mitchell to launch indirect talks as soon as possible.

Israel’s decision is expected to draw harsh criticism especially as it comes during the self declared Israeli ten month construction freeze in Jewish communities throughout Judea and Samaria.
 

Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat accused Israel of trying to undermine the talks even before they began, and said perhaps there was no point in trying to coax the sides towards proximity talks.
 
"If the Israeli government wants to sabotage Mitchell's efforts by taking such steps, let's talk to Mitchell about maybe not doing this (indirect talks) if the price is so high," Erekat said.
 

Earlier, Erekat raised concern over the outcome of indirect talks with Israel, telling reporters it was doubtful Israel’s Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu will agree to Palestinian demands. Earlier this week, following an Arab League decision to endorse indirect talks between the sides, Erekat declared “now it is time for decisions.”

The relationship has deteriorated to this stage where the U.S. is trying to save this peace process with the last attempt , Erekat said in an interview on Army Radio. "Mark my words,  this will be the last attempt in order to see if it can be a tool to make decisions between Palestinians and Israelis," he said.