(Reuters) - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday Israel hoped to "forge peace with the Palestinians", though he did not say what steps he would take to try to resume stalled negotiations.
Speaking during a reception at the residence of Egyptian Ambassador Yasser Reda in Herzliya, days before US President Barack Obama's peace envoy, George Mitchell, is expected in the region for new talks about how to renew peace efforts, Netanyahu praised the 2002 Arab Initiative for regional peace.
"I believe that this spirit can help create an atmosphere in which a comprehensive peace is possible," he said, adding that Israel appreciates(Egyptian President Hosni) Mubarak's efforts to ward off the radical forces and push towards peace.
Addressing the relations between Israel and Egypt, the prime minister said the countries still have a long way to go before reaching a "very warm" peace.
