1.   A timetable eluded them during months of stalemate on how to expand Palestinian autonomy to the West Bank without endangering Israelis.

2.   A timetable had eluded negotiators for months amid a deadlock over how to expand Palestinian self-rule to the West Bank without endangering Israelis.

3.   A timetable had eluded them during months of stalemate on how to expand Palestinian self-rule to the West Bank without endangering Israelis.

4.   A timetable had eluded negotiators for months amid a deadlock over how to expand Palestinian self-rule to more of the West Bank without endangering Israelis.

5.   A timetable had eluded them during months of deadlock on how to expand Palestinian self-rule to the West Bank without endangering Israelis.