UN chief: West Bank attack cynical attempt to undermine talks

WASHINGTON - UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday condemned the killing of four Israelis in the West Bank as a "blatant attempt" to undermine upcoming Middle East peace talks.

"The secretary-general condemns the killing of four Israeli citizens in the West Bank on 31 August," Ban's spokesman said in a statement.

"This attack must be recognized for what it is - a cynical and blatant attempt to undermine the direct Israeli-Palestinian negotiations starting tomorrow," the statement added, extending the UN chief's condolences to the families of the victims and calling for swift justice for "the perpetrators of this crime."

Ban called upon both sides to show "leadership, courage, and responsibility to realize the aspirations of both peoples."

Later Wednesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was expected to meet US President Barack Obama at the White House at around 10:45 am local time (17:45 Israel time). Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was due to arrive at the White House shortly thereafter, as were Jordan's King Abdullah and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.

Meanwhile, Jewish settlers attempted to torch a Palestinian field near Hebron as part of their 'price tag' policy in the aftermath of Tuesday's shooting attack.

Security forces and Civil Administration personnel put out the blaze before it could do damage.

A settler who is suspected of being involved in the incident was detained.

It was further reported that Palestinian vehicles travelling in the area were pelted with stones.

Earlier Wednesday, hundreds of people attended the funerals of the four residents of the West Bank settlement who were murdered in the terror attack.

Aviel Magnezi contributed to the report

• Follow Ynetnews on Facebook