Efforts have resumed to set up a summit between Palestinian President Mr Yasser Arafat and Israeli Prime Minister Mr Ehud Barak before Israel's election on February 6th, according to sources in both camps.
Mr Barak called off peace contacts with the Palestinians on Sunday until after the election and halted attempts to arrange a summit with Mr Arafat in Sweden later this week.
He has given no indication in public that he might now change his mind.
Palestinian Information Minister and negotiator Mr Yasser Abed Rabbo said: "There could be a summit before the election. It could be anywhere."
Israeli diplomatic sources also said efforts were under way to organise a summit before the prime ministerial election but gave no details. Mr Barak's office did not comment.
Mr Barak suspended peace contacts after Mr Arafat accused Israel of waging "a savage and barbaric war" against Palestinians. Reuters