Israeli budget crisis hampers peace process

The United States' peace envoy to the Middle East, Dennis Ross, has offered to postpone a visit to Israel early this month, because of the budget crisis facing the Israeli government.

The Prime Minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, has already warned that progress is unlikely on the peace process while he tries to persuade his foreign minister, David Levy, not to resign over the austerity budget; Mr Levy says it'll harm the poor.

Israeli officials say Mr Ross should delay his visit only by a day or two.

But a BBC Correspondent in Jerusalem says it's hard to see what can be achieved with the government in such turmoil.

Mr Netanyahu is reported to be trying to work out a compromise on the budget for consideration by parliament on Monday.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service