Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his commitment to the recently re-launched round of direct peace talks. According to a statement of Israeli foreign ministry, Mr. Netanyahu said there is interest in continuing the peace negotiations as peace is a vital interest for Israel. His comments came as a report by the London-based newspaper Asharq al-Awsat quoted Israeli officials as saying that the PM has agreed to extend Israel's freeze on settlement construction by 60 days. Netanyahu said that Israel is in the midst of sensitive diplomatic contacts with the U.S. administration in order to find a solution that will allow the continuation of the talks. Advising cabinet members to be patient, act responsibly, calmly and quietly, he said that Israel will quietly consider the situation and the complex reality away from the spotlights.