Kerry to Abbas: Recognize Israel

Secretary of State John Kerry and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas hunkered down in London for “informal” talks on Wednesday—the first time they’d met since failed peace talks last month. Kerry told Abbas that to gain full support from America, the Palestinian government needs to agree to eschew violence and recognize Israel, according to U.S. officials. He encouraged resuming peace talks and told Abbas it was up to both parties to return to the negotiating table. Congress is deciding whether to halt millions of dollars in aid because the Palestinian Authority is planning to include Hamas—a U.S.-designated terrorist group—in a unity government.