The two presidents also discussed a recent decision by the Arab League to grant limited approval for direct talks. Arab foreign ministers last week gave a green light for negotiations, but subject to certain measures and conditions.

Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian president, wants US guarantees on several issues before resuming talks.

The London-based newspaper Al-Hayat reported on Saturday that Mubarak would call for a complete halt to Israeli construction in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Binyamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, imposed a settlement freeze on the West Bank last year, but that freeze is set to expire in September. Construction in occupied East Jerusalem, however, continues unabated...