Israeli officials, however, insisted that the talks had not reached a crisis, saying they expected them to start again next week.

The talks never reached that point because of Jackson's reluctance to relocate 3,000 miles.

Administration officials have said recently that the talks, which began in July 2002, are reaching a culminating phase.

The talks reached one result late last night as Congress passed a deficit reduction bill.

The talks heated up Wednesday and reached a conclusion yesterday morning.

In 1985, talks between the union and the transportation agency reached a stalemate.

Executives said the talks had reached only a preliminary stage and never got off the ground.

The talks had reached their low point, many participants said.

It could not be determined if the talks reached the stage at which the companies exchanged confidential financial information.

The talks, he said, have reached the point "where they're either going to get an agreement or they're not."