No peace without recognition: Israeli minister

Jerusalem: Israel`s defense minister says a peace agreement with the Palestinians is unreachable unless they recognize Israel as the Jewish homeland. He said Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is "not a partner" for ending the conflict. Peace won`t happen in his generation, he said.

The recognition issue is a sticking point in US mediated talks. The Palestinians have rejected it. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called recognition the "root of the conflict," as it predates settlements and other issues at the heart of the talks. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas meets with US President Barack Obama next week.