The international Quartet of Mideast mediators said over the weekend the two sides should return to negotiations within a month and commit to reaching a deal by the end of 2012.

The statement came shortly after the Palestinians asked the UN to recognize their independence in the absence of a peace agreement.

Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said on Sunday that Israel should accept the Quartet’s proposal because it has no preconditions. The Palestinians say talks can take place only if they include an Israelis settlement freeze.

Israel’s Cabinet is expected to make a final decision on the Quartet proposal in the coming days.