Washington, Oct 3 : US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta has warned that Israel is becoming increasingly isolated in the Middle East, and said the nation should restart peace talks with the Palestinians and restore good relations with Turkey and Egypt.

“It''s pretty clear, at this dramatic time in the Middle East when there have been so many changes, that it is not a good situation for Israel to become increasingly isolated. And this is what has happened,” the BBC quoted Panetta, as saying.

Panetta said the US would make sure Israel maintained its military superiority in the region, but should use this advantage to press for peace.

“As they take risks for peace, we will be able to provide the security that they will need in order to ensure that they can have the room hopefully to negotiate,” he said.

Panetta added he would press the Palestinians to return to peace talks.

“The most important thing they can do is go to the negotiating table. You are not going to achieve Middle East peace by trying to slam-dunk it at the UN,” he said.

The US recently opposed the Palestinian bid for full membership of the United Nations.

Washington has threatened to veto the move if it comes to a vote in the Security Council, saying negotiations should resume to a two-state solution. (ANI)