Netanyahu says only talks can lead to Palestinian state

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem November 15, 2009.

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday there was no alternative to negotiations to secure peace and that any unilateral moves by the Palestinians would unravel past agreements.

Palestinian officials said they were planning on taking their quest for independence to the U.N. Security Council, aiming to secure international support for a state.

"There is no substitute for negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority and any unilateral path will only unravel the framework of agreements between us and will only bring unilateral steps from Israel's side," Netanyahu said.

Netanyahu, who was addressing a forum on the Middle East in Jerusalem, did not make a direct reference to the Palestinians' decision to turn to the U.N. for recognition for a future state.

He also made no mention of the possible unilateral steps that Israel would make should the Palestinians unilaterally seek international support for a state.

Saeb Erekat, chief Palestinian negotiator, said earlier on Sunday there was no time frame for the diplomatic initiative to secure backing for the state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. "When we are ready, we will go," he told Reuters.

Palestinians attributed the move to frustration at the lack of progress in peace negotiations with Israel which have been stalled for a year.

(Reporting by Ari Rabinovitch; Writing by Joseph Nasr; Editing by Jon Hemming)