'Israeli Citizens Wary of Peace Talks' (USA Today)

My latest, published in USA Today:

Dave Bender, Special for USA TODAY
4:23 p.m. EDT July 29, 2013

JERUSALEM -- After six decades of conflict, Israelis did not appear confident Monday that a resumption of direct negotiations over disputed territory will result in peace.

Israeli Border Police officer on guard near Palestinian Arabs during Muslim prayers held in Old City alleyway.
(Illustrative photo: Dave Bender, All Rights Reserved)

"I have very low expectations," said Rivkah Moriah, an American immigrant who lives with her family in the settlement of Efrat, south of Jerusalem.

Israeli and Palestinian teams arrived in Washington on Monday to end years of diplomatic stalemate and prepare for a new round of Mideast peace talks. 

The resumption of talks was preceded by a decision by Israel's Cabinet to free 104 long-held Palestinian prisoners convicted of terrorism. The release was part of an agreement brokered by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry to bring the sides back to the negotiating table.

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