French president says there is no alternative to political dialogue to ease tensions; Lapid says no new settlements to be established but construction to meet natural growth, expected adding Palestinian question not focus of talks.

France urged Prime Minister, Yair Lapid, on Tuesday to restart peace talks with the Palestinians, but Lapid played down such prospects, citing rightist elements in his caretaker government ahead of a November election. 

Speaking to cameras, Macron said there was "no alternative" to political dialogue to ease tensions between Israelis and Palestinians. "I know how much you can mark history if you relaunch this process, which has been broken for too long," Macron said, adding that he believed Lapid "has what it takes" to succeed.

As reported by Ynet
Image source: GPO