BRUSSELS (EJP)---A senior European official expressed skepticism about the resumption of direct Israeli-Palestinian talks in Washington and stressed the influence of the Jewish lobby in the US.

Interviewed by Belgian Flemish public radio VRT on Thursday, Karel De Gucht, European Commissioner for Trade, declared: "I see few reasons to think that there is this time more reasons for success."

To explain his skepticism he mentioned the divisions among the Palestinians, with Hamas being rejected by Israel as a valid partner in talks, and the fact that Israel’s policy "toughened" and "moved to the right."

"Benjamin Netanyahu is certainly not a dove and he is partly sourrounded by people who believe that a solution is impossible," said De Gucht, a former Belgian Foreign Minister.

Asked about the fact that the EU is not directly involved in the Washington talks, he said: "The United States are the only capable to play a significant role because they can pressure Israel."

He added: “And also do not underestimate the Jewish lobby on Capitol Hill. It is the best organized lobby there. In other words, don’t underestimate the influence of this lobby on American policy, whether on Republicans or Democrats. “

"Apart from this lobby, don’t underestimate the opinion of the average Jew outside Israel. There is a belief among most Jews, religious and secular alike, that they are right."

"And belief is something difficult to fight with rational arguments," the Commissioner said

"It is therefore not easy even when you have a conversation with a moderate Jew to speak about what is happening in the Middle East."