At the outset of the negotiations orchestrated by John Kerry, the Israelis pledged to release 104 Palestinian prisoners in four stages, the last being March 31, 2014.

However, Tel Aviv refuses to honor its promise unless the Palestinians give into a demand which was sprung up on them at the last moment. De facto, negotiations would be suspended and Tzipi Livni would resign from her post as minister in charge of the negotiations.

However, Secretary of State John Kerry arrived in Jerusalem to oblige the Netanyahu government to release the prisoners.