The U.S. has confirmed its position that the Palestinian government must recognize Israel before peace talks can begin, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Sunday.

"The American and Israeli positions are totally identical on this issue," he said, citing a phone call with U.S. President George W. Bush on Friday.

The Quartet, the four blocs backing the talks — the U.S., European Union, UN and Russia — insist the Palestinians must recognize Israel, renounce violence and accept existing peace deals before talks can restart.

"A Palestinian government that won't accept the Quartet conditions won't receive recognition and co-operation," Olmert said.

That is difficult for the Palestinians. While President Mahmoud Abbas agrees,  Hamas — which controls the Palestinian parliament — does not.

Hamas and Fatah, lead by Abbas, recently agreed to form a unity government but it is not clear what its position on the three requirements will be. However, the Associated Press, citing Abbas aides, reported Sunday that Abbas had indicated the unity government would not meet the conditions.

Olmert's statement Sunday came just ahead of a summit between U.S. Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, Abbas and Olmert.

Rice attempting to help peace process resume

She is visiting the Middle East to try and restart peace talks. Rice said Sunday that the U.S. will wait until the new government is formed, which could take several weeks, before deciding on its approach.

But European commentators were predicting Sunday that she will not be able to restart the talks because the Palestinians will not meet the Quartet requirements.

Negotiating the Palestinian unity government earlier this year was a long and difficult process, set against Hamas-Fatah fighting that killed dozens of Palestinians. Some said Abbas lacked the political strength to compel Hamas to agree.

The Hamas-Fatah agreement did not refer to recognition of Israel directly but said the two sides would respect existing agreements that do recognize Israel.

The Associated Press said Abbas tried to convince Rice to give the unity government a chance when the two met Sunday.

With files from the Associated Press