Last week, Palestinian negotiators broke off talks in Eilat after Israel presented a map of a proposed Palestinian entity covering about two-thirds of the West Bank.

Palestinian officials balked at the plan, charging that Israel wanted to annex one-third of the region.

On Monday, the prime minister appeared to backtrack on his earlier statements that he wants to transfer three villages near Jerusalem to full Palestinian control.

Barak said he may not be able to proceed with the plan for weeks or possibly even months because of strong domestic opposition.