But it certainly could make things more complicated that the U.S. is trying to restart this peace process at a time when leaders on both sides, Alex - Palestinian president Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Olmert - are incredibly weak at home, politically.

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It is possible that skilled diplomacy may come up with some face-saving way for the republicans to make enough of a gesture to restart the political process.

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That process has led to a restart of the P5-plus-1 talks, and we look forward to the second round of those discussions.

WHITEHOUSE: The White House