Justice Minister Tzipi Livni expressed her belief that Israel and the Palestinian Authority are on the path toward serious talks with real hopes for success during an interview with Channel 10 News on Friday evening.
"We wouldn't take part in the talks if it wasn't obvious to me, to you and to everyone that these need to be serious talks," Livni said.
Discussing her recent meetings in Washington with Palestinian representatives, Livni said the discussions convinced her that there is a chance for success.
"We went into a room, after a long time when we haven't met to discuss these types of subjects, and I feel that not just us, but the Palestinians as well, want to talk seriously and not just blame Israel," Livni confided.
On both sides, the renewed peace negotiations have been met with skepticism and at times even anger, particularly regarding Israel's decision to release 104 terrorists as a prelude to the talks.
However Netanyahu has defended the decision recently saying "this moment is not easy for me...but there are times when difficult decisions must be made for the good of the state, and this is one of those times."
Livni supported the decision during her interview, citing a better, more peaceful future as a worthy cause for the release, though she confessed that it was still a hard decision to make.
The Hatnua leader also expressed her belief that most of the Israeli population supports the renewed peace talks and promised to work her hardest to make certain they were successful.
"I know what my job is, I know what my mission is and I am working with the prime minister to make sure that we succeed."