However, the peace talks, since it first started in 1993, have always been in the haunting cycle of "hope-to-collapse."
The issue of settlement construction has posed an immediate challenge to the direct talks, with Netanyahu on Tuesday saying he would not extend a moratorium that expires on Sept. 26.
Incitement from both sides, such as the killing of four Israelis on Tuesday by a gunman near the West Bank city of Hebron, could also derail the fragile peace process.