Middle East Quartet infuriated over Israel’s latest airstrikes

Key negotiators from the Middle East Quartet are in Moscow for the latest attempt to get Palestinians and Israelis talking again about the peace process, but recent events have soured relations.

So, in light of US Vice President Joe Biden cold shouldering of Israel over the East Jerusalem settlement – which almost led to a near halt in relations between the US and Israel – Moscow will be hosting a unique Middle East Quartet meeting.
What will likely be heard at the talks are very stiff comments from the members of the Quartet. The US is also expected to be very critical of Israel. In addition, three other members of the Quartet – the EU, Russia and the UN – are traditionally more sympathetic towards Palestine than to Israel.

The question now is – how critical will the Quartet be, and will there be aggressive deadlines set for Israel?