The Israeli cabinet has finally begun a meeting to discuss the peace deal worked out with the Palestinians last month.

The meeting was postponed several times while Israel insisted that the Palestinian Authority provide firm evidence of the arrest of thirty militants.

Now the Israeli prime minister, Binyamin Netanyahu has announced he's satisfied with Palestinian assurances that twelve of the wanted men are under arrest, and that the others will be detained within twelve weeks.

The BBC Jerusalem correspondent says the cabinet debate will be stormy, but Mr Netanyahu is expected to win support for the peace deal, which must be ratified by parliament before it becomes law.