George Mitchell's mission follows Israel's decision to resume settlement construction in the West Bank after a 10-month freeze. The move has thrown the talks into disarray.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has threatened to walk out of the negotiations if Israel doesn't renew the moratorium.
The U.S. is disappointed over Israel's refusal to relent and has dispatched Mitchell to try to bridge the gaps. Mitchell is expected to arrive on Tuesday.
Abbas has said he will decide whether to quit the talks after consulting senior Arab officials next week. That gives U.S. mediators time to try to broker a compromise..
A Jewish settler boy looks at earth-moving equipment working at a construction site in the West Bank Jewish settlement of Ariel, Monday, Sept. 27, 2010. Senior Palestinian official Yasser Abed Rabbo said Monday that President Mahmoud Abbas remains ready to walk out on Mideast peace talks if Israel resumes construction in its West Bank settlements now that building restrictions have expired.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, second right, arrives for a meeting with Jewish representatives living in France in Paris Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010. Abbas will meet French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Monday.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, left, attends a meeting with Jewish representatives living in France in Paris Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010. Abbas will meet French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Monday.
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