Israel ? The Israeli and Palestinian leaders will meet every two weeks for discussions aimed at paving the way for a final settlement to the Middle East conflict, officials said Tuesday, a small sign of momentum for the latest U.S. push to restart peace efforts.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice announced the planned meetings at the end of a swing through the region, her fourth in as many months. Although the talks will begin with day-to-day issues, they signaled a deeper U.S. commitment to bringing the sides together after a six-year lull in peace efforts.

Rice spoke after three days of shuttling between Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Relations between the men have worsened since Abbas, a moderate who favors peace talks, formed a coalition government with the Islamic militant group Hamas earlier this month.