Rather face elections than release Israeli-Arab prisoners: Israeli FM

Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said on Sunday that he prefers to face another round of elections rather than release Israeli Arab prisoners amid Kerry's outline.

"If the choice is between releasing Israeli-Arab prisoners and going to elections, I'd rather go to new elections," the hawkish minister said.

Lieberman also referred to reported Palestinians' demands for extending the peace talks beyond their April 29 deadline, saying it was an "extortion."

The recent crisis materialized after Israel delayed and later announced it refuses to release a fourth batch of 26 Palestinian prisoners, including 14 Israeli-Arab prisoners, out of the 104 it committed to release when the Palestinian-Israeli talks were renewed in Jul.

Israel has also announced more settlements construction in east Jerusalem, on lands annexed following the 1967 Mideast War. These moves were followed by Palestinian President Abbas approaching to join 15 international treaties and conventions last week.

Sources said representatives of Israel and the Palestinians are scheduled to meet with U.S. Middle East Envoy Martin Indyk on Sunday evening to discuss options to resolve the current crisis.