Subscribe to Print Edition | Tue., April 08, 2008 Nisan 3, 5768 | | Israel Time: 06:54 (EST+7) web haaretz.com   Back to Homepage Rosner's Domain Diplomacy Defense Jewish World Opinion National Print Edition Advertising Books Arts & Leisure Business Real Estate Easy Start Travel Week's End Anglo File

PA special forces troops training last week in Jenin. (AP) Last update - 11:55 07/04/2008 Israel okays special PA force in Jenin, but not Hebron By Amos Harel, Haaretz Correspondent Tags: PA, Hebron, Hamas, Israel Israel has rejected the Palestinian Authority bid to deploy its national security force's special battalion in the West Bank city of Hebron, but has agreed to their deployment in Jenin instead. The decision to relocate the troops was reached after talks between the two sides and consultations with the United States. I Advertisement sraeli security officials said the Palestinian Authority considered it important for the 620 soldiers in the special force to be stationed in Hebron, to strengthen Palestinian Authority and Fatah control there and counter Hamas' strong network. As Haaretz reported Sunday, the battalion is being trained in Jordan. But the Israeli security establishment opposed the Hebron option, mainly because of the tension between Israelis and Palestinians there. Unlike Hebron, Jenin is relatively isolated and is not next to an Israeli population center. Fatah's position in Jenin is considered strong, although Islamic Jihad, whose main stronghold in the West Bank is Jenin, is expected to pose a challenge. Israel expects that the Palestinian Authority will focus on maintaining public control, or at most dealing with Hamas' civil networks. It views the PA security forces' achievements in the West Bank city of Nablus as quite limited, even though Palestinian and American officials view the Nablus deployment as an impressive success after the return of public order there and the reining in of armed gangs. Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces removed 10 dirt roadblocks from side roads in the West Bank yesterday as part of Israel's commitment to the United States. An additional 50 roadblocks had already been removed as part of this pledge. The move follows a promise given by Defense Minister Ehud Barak to U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice during her last visit here. Related articles: PA downgrades renewed talks to protest settlement construction Bush to push Israel, PA for progress before his May visit Vice Premier: W. Bank outposts harm Israel's relations with U.S. PM: Road map obligations don't nix 'other lawful activities' in W. Bank Bookmark to del.icio.us   In his father's memory Gilad Sharon's son plans to write his father's memoirs as he lies in a coma. Jammed FM Police close an English radio station which encourages Israeli-Palestinian dialogue.   1.   Of Course 08:00  |  Mark of Lewiston 07/04/08   2.   We should keep our strategic assets. 08:10  |  Jean Van Daem 07/04/08   3.   Jean - Nablus and Jenin are Israeli Assets? 08:52  |  Mark of Lewiston 07/04/08   4.   Without peace progress, they`ll be seen as collaborators 11:28  |  Michael 07/04/08   5.   Tomb of the Patriarchs, Hebron 11:53  |  Joe 07/04/08   6.   will the left ever learn... 12:27  |  lars 07/04/08   7.   The Keystone Cops 14:11  |  Avi 07/04/08   8.   Is`t negotiations or surrendering terms with Olmert-Abbas talks ? 14:15  |  Akram Zekaria 07/04/08   9.   with due respect Michael 14:25  |  Avi 07/04/08   10.   Jenin- the place of the `massacre` 15:30  |  Jon 07/04/08   11.   Who trained those Arab forces, as they don`t know even 17:56  |  IL supporter 07/04/08   12.   Hebron Settlers all in jail 20:22  |  Pablo B 07/04/08   13.   Lars You Are Right 21:44  |  Jimmie 07/04/08   14.   @3 Mark of Lewiston 00:38  |  Mark B. 08/04/08   15.   14 Mark B 06:51  |  Mark of Lewiston 08/04/08

Today Online Ben-Eliezer: If Iran attacks, we will destroy it Responses: 250 U.S. evangelist pledges $6 million in contributions to Israel Responses: 159 U.S., Israel fear Iran has N. Korean nuclear know-how Responses: 143 Akiva Eldar: Time for Bush to intervene in Mideast peace talks Responses: 88 Rosner's Domain New Guest: US should revoke support for Palestinian state Pastor Hagee vs. rabbi Yoffie, round two (WTR) New poll: Yoffie or Hagee - you can vote! The popular Condi Rice (WTR) What is worth fighting for? More Headlines 06:14 Ramon: All Ofra homes built on private Palestinian land 02:03 Home Front civil defense drills to continue with 10 A.M. siren 03:28 Evangelist to Yoffie: 'I'm not trying to undermine peace' 02:36 Opposition to national service in Israel's Arab sector is bitter 05:25 Aharon Barak breaks silence: Friedmann's reforms will make Israel a third-world country 06:39 Gaydamak, Pensioners poised to form new Knesset faction 03:44 Court extends remand of sixth suspect in case of abused Jerusalem toddlers 00:33 Friedmann lashes back at Supreme Court and Barak 04:15 Palestinian, 15, dies after hit by bus carrying settlers in W. Bank 05:36 Report: Settlement planned for Gush Katif evacuees likely to damage nature preserve Previous Editions Select Day 07 apr 06 apr 04 apr 03 apr 02 apr 01 apr 31 mar 30 mar 28 mar 27 mar 26 mar 25 mar

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