Egypt's intelligence chief is in Israel for talks on reinvigorating the Mideast peace process, after he took part in similar talks with the Palestinians last week.
Omar Suleiman is meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials to discuss efforts to revive direct talks, which stalled after an Israeli settlement moratorium expired in September. Palestinians have insisted they will not return to the talks while Israeli building continues on land they want as part of a future state.
Suleiman says it is a "crucial time" for the U.S.-mediated peace talks, and that negotiators need to "make steps forward." He commented shortly after arriving in Israel Thursday.
Last week's meeting between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and the high-level Egyptian delegation ended with no breakthrough.
At an October meeting, Arab League leaders said they would give the United States until early November to resolve the impasse before reconvening to consider alternatives.