Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday accused Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas of having "turned his back on peace, dpa reported
Abbas, in a speech to the Arab League Council on Sunday, said he would not continue direct talks unless Israel stopped settlement activity, including in East Jerusalem, accepts a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders, and releases Palestinian prisoners.
If Israel did not respond positively, Palestinians would resume their steps for recognition at the United Nations, he said.
"In his speech, Abu Mazen (Abbas) turned his back on peace," a statement from Netanyahu's office said.
"Instead of entering direct negotiations that can bring about the end of the conflict, Abu Mazen prefers to joint with the Hamas terrorist organization, the same Hamas that hugs Iran," it said.
Direct Israel-Palestinian talks resumed in Jordan last month.
Abbas announced last week that he would be the acting prime minister of the Palestinian unity government that will pave the way for long overdue elections this year.