so-called proximity talks where u.s. officials serve as a go between. a top white house aide said the gaps have narrowed but getting to direct talks remains a major challenge. palestinian leaders say it all hinges on israel halting all construction of west bank and east jerusalem settlements. and at his weekly cabinet meeting prime minister benjamin netanyahu said he is ready for face-to-face negotiations the only, quote, possible way to resolve the israeli-palestinian conflict. >> translator: the main point of talks with president obama will be on the issue of direct negotiations. there is no substitute for the entering into negotiations. >> reporter: now, of course, this meeting will follow, comes on the heels of two other important meetings that have taken place here at the white house. president obama sat down with saudi arabia's king abdula and also the prime minister, palestinian prime minister, mahmoud abbas where we are told they talked about issues of regional security and of course the progress that was made in