I've seen the remarks," State Department spokesman Mark Toner said when asked about comments by Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman.

"It doesn't change our posture or our policy one bit.

"We continue to work to bring both parties back into direct negotiations and to achieve a comprehensive settlement.

"And frankly, responding to various comments by various officials or government officials is not an effective way to do that."

Washington's response came after comments Sunday by Lieberman, who said, "It is forbidden for us to reach a comprehensive deal today with the Palestinians.

"To put it clearly, you have to understand that their government is not legitimate."

Lieberman told a meeting in Jerusalem of Israeli ambassadors that the government of Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas had lost control of the Gaza Strip to rival group Hamas and postponed elections after its term had expired.

Toner said US officials were "trying to maintain close consultations with both parties... in an effort that will lead to direct negotiations and ultimately a comprehensive settlement."

Direct talks between Israel and the Palestinians, the first for nearly two years, began in Washington on September 2 but quickly stalled when a 10-month Israeli settlements freeze expired on September 26.

Lieberman, the hardline leader of the Yisrael Beitenu party, has been largely sidelined by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in peace talks with the Palestinians.

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