国际英语新闻：Is Netanyahu trying to shift the focus with new offer?

Contrary to the standpoint of Barghouthi, Professor Yossi Shain from the Department of Political Science at Tel Aviv University argues that Netanyahu's offer was a way to break the dead-look created with the end of the freeze and not a way to end the process altogether.

"The pressure is being mounted and there is a great need not to break the discussion and the impasse is so severe that everyone is trying to find a way not to break it," said Shain, adding that he does not believe that any party is interested in seeing the talks fail and come to a complete halt.

Shain added that what Netanyahu is trying to do is simply think outside the box and ask the Palestinians to show that they are willing to make additional efforts as well.

"So he is saying I'm willing to go the extra mile and make this extension if you will go further and make a decision that you will recognize Israel as the Jewish state as the beginning of the two- state solution," he said.

Whether Netanyahu will be able to come through is, according to Shain, still up for debate.

"Whether he has the leadership skill and whether he can move ahead and deliver the goods, it remains to be seen," he said, adding that Netanyahu is restricted in what he can do.

"The pressure will continue to mount and he understands the grave position of Obama prior to Nov. 2. He cannot alienate many forces in his own coalition and he can't also break the discussion, " Shain said, referring to the upcoming U.S. midterm elections, which often reflect the public's approval of the president.