Netanyahu welcomes progress toward peace talks

Israel's prime minister says he welcomes the progress made toward the resumption of peace talks with Palestinians.

Israel's prime minister says he welcomes the progress made toward the resumption of peace talks with Palestinians.

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Sunday's statement follows an announcement of Arab nations endorsing indirect US-brokered peace talks between the two sides. Benjamin Netanyahu's office says the prime minister awaits a formal Palestinian statement, but renewed his willingness to resume peace talks "at any time and at any place." Netanyahu insists the talks resume "without preconditions."

US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton has said the talks will start this week, and US Mideast envoy George Mitchell is expected back in the region soon.

The last round of peace talks broke down in late 2008.