Subscribe to Print Edition | Thu., May 22, 2008 Iyyar 17, 5768 | | Israel Time: 03:07 (EST+7) web haaretz.com   Back to Homepage Rosner's Domain Diplomacy Defense Jewish World Opinion National Print Edition Advertising Books Peres Conference Business Real Estate Easy Start Travel Week's End Anglo File

PA forces in Jenin have shifted gears, striving to disarm Hamas By Avi Issacharoff Tags: Hamas, Jenin, PA, Israel JENIN - Israeli defense officials generally respond dismissively to questions about the capabilities of the Palestinian Authority's preventive security forces, but a visit to the Jenin area with the Palestinian forces shows their attitude does not match reality, at least in this sector. The military and police forces deployed in the area in recent weeks have succeeded in restoring law and order to what had been viewed as an uncontrollable district. More importantly, they also seem to be having success in dismantling what Israelis call "terror infrastructures" - not to a degree that will completely satisfy the Israeli side but considering the operational limitations on the forces it is at the very least clear that they are highly motivated to reduce the political and military capabilities of Hamas and of Islamic Jihad. Advertisement The white Fiat Uno waited at the side of the main street of Ya'abad, west of Jenin and in Area B, under Israeli security control. Five other cars waited nearby. The bulldozer approached them slowly, as if examining its prey, and then crushed the Uno with its bucket. Its owners did not even attempt to protest. For several weeks now the PA has been waging a war against stolen or unlicensed vehicles. Since the Fiat lacked proper papers, its owner knew it was just a matter of time before it would be turned into a lump of metal like the hundreds of lumps that now dot the sector, evidence of operations conducted by the Palestinian police. "Abu Tariq," deputy commander of national security (the Palestinian army) in Jenin, was in charge of the campaign that began early yesterday morning in the town. In coordination with the Israel Defense Forces, about 200 of his men were deployed at the entrances and street of Ya'abad to prevent car thieves from escaping. In the past, this was a mission impossible because of Israel's control of the sector. But in the post-Gazan revolution era, the Palestinian security forces are authorized, after coordinating with Israel and giving 24 hours' notice, to operate in Area B as well. Abu Tariq commanded his men to bring all the unlicensed vehicles to collection points, where the bulldozers awaited. After hours of pursuit, when it appeared as if Ya'abed was cleared of all its stolen cars, Abu Tariq received word of a car that had been hidden in a wadi. Three jeeps set out to capture it. Palestinian soldiers Fa'id Yusif, Diab Abu Bakr and Mohammed Dabak sat in the cabin, open at the back. In many ways Yusuf represents the new face of the PA: His "career" began with stealing cars. After the start of the intifada he joined Fatah's Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades. In 2003 he was arrested by the IDF, and after four years in prison was released as part of an Israeli gesture to the PA. He recently joined the Palestinian national security forces. "The enemy is whoever threatens the PA," Yusuf explained. "And that mainly means Hamas. We are acting to enforce the law and against anyone who endangers us. We fought Israel in the past, I even stole cars from there, but now we've had enough. Now, give me peace with my cousins." Yusuf wonders aloud whether Israelis realize the PA forces have "changed direction." The jeeps stop. The soldiers get out and, relatively quietly, they split up: One squad sets out to outflank the wadi from the left, the other from the right. They run down the slope, weapons at the ready. In contrast to the past, their uniforms are almost, well, uniform; their weapons, boots and combat vests all new. They reach a group of trees where another stolen car is hidden but they don't have the ignition key. Yusuf makes use of his former profession to drive it to the road, where it will be escorted to the bulldozer. Without B'Tselem The commander of the Palestinian forces in the Jenin district, Maj.-Gen. Suliman Umran, does not conceal his satisfaction. "The situation in the sector is quieter than ever. Jenin is like Paris in terms of personal safety." He responds immediately to the skeptical glances. "I'm not exaggerating. The PA forces operate everywhere without fear. There are no more illegal weapons in the area. Anyone carrying such weapons will be arrested immediately." Armed gunman have indeed disappeared from the streets of Jenin and even of Qabatiyah, the town to the south that was considered a Jihad stronghold. A few weeks ago, when some 600 additional Palestinian police officers came to reinforce Umran's men in the city, he ordered them to deplay in Qabatiyah. There were exchanges of gunfire that lasted a few hours, until the militants handed in their weapons. The PA is focusing its operations largely on Hamas and Islamic Jihad, both of which it views as enemies to all intents and purposes. The green flags of Hamas have disappeared from the streets, the organization's welfare institutions have closed down and many activists have been arrested - although to Israel's dismay most are released. There is no place to keep militants, or even ordinary criminals, and the courts are not very sympathetic to Umran and his men. Unless proof of criminal misconduct can be brought against a detainee, he will be freed. Security first Three days ago, the PA arrested Abdel Fatah Khuzaimiah, one of the highest-ranking Islamic Jihad militants in Qabatiyah. "I decided to keep him in detention with me," relates Umran, who turned two rooms in the Muqata government compound in Jenin into an improvised jail. "If I send him to court maybe they'll release him. So let him sit and think about his actions in the meantime. Another wanted man, Mohammed Dab'a, was in detention with me for six months until he had a change of heart and asked to join the PA forces. Human rights organizations? For me, security comes first," Umran said. Unlike his colleagues in other areas, Umran does not verbally attack Israel and expresses partial satisfaction with the cooperation with Israel. It is true that his men are prohibited from operating past midnight but he says that Palestinian and Israeli officers are working together in an unprecedented manner in some Area B villages. "The young people who watch them are learning it's possible to cooperate. The Palestinian forces are different now, and thus it is possible and desirable to hand over responsibility for security to the PA," Umran said. Bookmark to del.icio.us   Say what you want French court: Claim that Al-Dura tape doctored isn`t libelous. Peace in our time Olmert: Peace talks with Syria are a 'national duty'.   1.   Nothing is satisfactorily until Long Term 05:19  |  The Archives 21/05/08   2.   Hope? 07:19  |  Ariel 21/05/08   3.   #1 The Archives - yes, it is NOT just the NOW but also the FUTURE 07:22  |  CK Tan 21/05/08   4.   Sounds impressive and I`m pleased .. 07:26  |  redmike 21/05/08   5.   Good start 08:17  |  Margie in Tel Aviv 21/05/08   6.   #1 The Archives - yes, it is NOT just the NOW but also the FUTURE 08:48  |  CK Tan 21/05/08   7.   Typo 11:57  |  Shlomo 21/05/08   8.   Welcome surprise, if this is true 12:10  |  Elihu 21/05/08   9.   Haredi battalion 18:09  |  Tug919 21/05/08

Read & React Al Gore: Israel should lead the way in renewable energy Responses: 123 Olmert to U.S.: Impose naval blockade on Iran Responses: 235 Israel, Syria to begin indirect peace talks Responses: 211 Shein and Berkowitz: The demise of the European left Responses: 128 More Headlines 02:23 PM to Haaretz: Talks with Syria are 'historic breakthrough' 02:21 ANALYSIS: What will come first, peace treaty or indictment? 23:54 Ex-Olmert aide recorded money transfers between PM, Messer 21:36 8 short comments on the Israel-Syria peace talks 20:37 Golan regional head: Olmert endangering Israel's existence 00:49 Man U defeats Chelsea FC in Champions League final 21:02 French court: Claim that Al-Dura tape doctored isn`t libelous 01:37 Ankara hopes for a direct Israel-Syria meeting next month 22:18 Lebanese relieved as standoff ends; Hezbollah supporters celebrate 21:41 Ex-chief rabbi Eliyahu's condition deteriorates further after stroke 18:31 Microsoft CEO, in Herzliya: Our company almost as Israeli as American 19:31 Hamas: Israel-Syria talks won't affect our 'strategic' ties with Damascus Previous Editions Select Day 21 may 20 may 19 may 18 may 16 may 15 may 14 may 13 may 12 may 11 may 09 may 08 may

Special Offers Advertisement Dead Sea Products Buy Dead Sea mineral skin care and beauty products. Coupon code Haaretz for 10% off. Istudy Learn Hebrew in 3 months The Terraces Your Ultimate Coastal Address On Nitza Boulevard, North Netanya Together Celebrating Israel's 60th The Jewish Agency and You - together making history Pardes Institute Summer Sessions http://www.pardes.org.il/ Free the Palestinians from: Corrupt Kleptocracy, Tyrannical Theocracy, Abysmal Anarchy Fattal Hotel Chain Perfectly located hotels on best resorts of Israel. ISRAEL BONDS Build Israel Israel bonds - a multi-purpose way to celebrate Israel's 60th Eldan Rent a Car Israel's leading car rental company offers you a 20% discount on all online reservations Junkyard Junk a car - get free towing nationwide and a tax-deductible receipt

Home | TV | Print Edition | Diplomacy | Opinion | Arts & Leisure | Sports | Jewish World | Underground | Site rules |

Real Estate in Israel

Haaretz.com, the online edition of Haaretz Newspaper in Israel, offers real-time breaking news, opinions and analysis from Israel and the Middle East. Haaretz.com provides extensive and in-depth coverage of Israel, the Jewish World and the Middle East, including defense, diplomacy, the Arab-Israeli conflict, the peace process, Israeli politics, Jerusalem affairs, international relations, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, the Palestinian Authority, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the Israeli business world and Jewish life in Israel and the Diaspora.

© Copyright  Haaretz. All rights reserved