DHAKA: Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told his ministers to stop high-level meetings with their Palestinian counterparts.

The order follows ‘Palestinians’ violation of their commitments under peace talks’, officials said, reports the BBC.

It comes after a request by the Palestinians to join 15 UN treaties and conventions as a state party.

Correspondents say Netanyahu’s action has dealt another blow to the faltering US-brokered peace process.

The government officials said Israel’s chief peace negotiator, Tzipi Livni, would be an exception from the PM’s edict.

Defence and security officials will also be allowed to continue to engage with the Palestinians, according to reports.

Otherwise, only low-level co-operation will be permitted.

BDST: 1813 HRS, APR 09, 2014