Israel okays PA's acquisition of anti-riot gear ahead of UN vote
Palestinian Authority approaches Israeli firms to purchase riot-control gear such as tear gas grenades, rubber bullets; IDF recommends such acquisition to help PA deal with any unrest.
By Amos Harel Tags: IDF West Bank Palestinian state Palestinian AuthorityIsrael has given approval for the Palestinian Authority to equip its security forces with riot-control gear, such as tear gas grenades and rubber bullets.
The PA has approached Israeli firms to buy such equipment in advance of expected demonstrations on the West Bank around the Palestinians' request for United Nations recognition as an independent state.
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A Hebron boy pushing a cart past IDF soldiers, September 14, 2011. |
| Photo by: Reuters |
Palestinian security officials told their Israeli counterparts in their regular meetings that they will do everything within their ability to contain demonstrations and prevent violent interactions with the Israel Defense Forces and settlers. But the two sides are also preparing for the possibility that demonstrations will escalate into violence the PA will find it difficult to control. Thus, the IDF recommended a few months ago to allow the PA to acquire such equipment, so the Palestinians could deal with demonstrations before the IDF had to.
The ministers involved gave their approval at the beginning of September.
Now, the PA is working furiously to buy the equipment, but seems to be having difficulty procuring the goods because time is so short. The IDF will finish its preparations this week for a possible escalation in the territories. The Central Command will receive reinforcements of a couple of regular infantry battalions tomorrow, as part of its preliminary preparations against violent demonstrations, in the IDF's overall plan named "Summer Seeds."
At this stage, an additional 20 percent of forces are being added on the West Bank. The battalions have trained to deal with possible scenarios, including violent marches toward settlements, IDF checkpoints and major roads serving the Israeli population.
In case of an overall escalation, the IDF has prepared to double its forces in the West Bank. This plan includes bringing in regular forces now in training plus calling up a few reserve battalions on short notice. The IDF plans to minimize the damage to its training schedule, but if necessary, battalions from various advanced training courses will be called in.
The IDF has made large purchases of equipment for dispersing demonstrations, in addition to the regular equipment used in such circumstances. For example, it has brought out equipment that disperses a horrible smell or makes noise at an intolerable frequency.
The most reasonable scenario the IDF expects in the short term is for violent demonstrations in several areas, despite the PA's intentions to prevent such violence. IDF forces are preparing to defend the settlements, and should demonstrators attempt to penetrate the settlements, the army is ready to use controlled sniper fire to prevent such intrusions. It is not clear that any such conflict - if it comes - will occur in September. Such violence could break out in October or near the end of the year, a sort of delayed response to political developments.
The IDF and Shin Bet security service are also worried about the recent rise in the number of attacks carried out by right-wing extremists, including on the IDF, mosques and left-wing activists. This only complicates the situation as the PA advances its move at the UN.
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At the last minute, the Palestinian Authority will decide to withdraw its request for United Nations recognition (due to some reason), and the Palestinian people will be angry, and might take to the streets. This is why anti-riot gear is needed. What I really would die to know: Which Western country is financing the purchase of this gear?
the cooperation seems to only occur when the poodle does what he is told. They threaten to withhold taxes but will aid the PA to attack protesters.... maybe buy from turkey next time eh?
So its in their interest as well as Israel's to prevent protests from turning violent and loosing control. This strategy has the best chance of applying International pressure on Israel and gaining support for a state from Israeli's themselves They tried violence in 2001, Intifada II and it set the establishment of a Palestinian state back by years if not decades
First: Land swaps between Israel and Palestine, New political map from Gaza strip to west bank one country (No Israeli border with Egypt) and in return Israel to keep key settlement in west bank and some land from Gaza Strip, Jerusalem should be keep by Israel except east Jerusalem. 2nd: Learn from history, When British left from Indian sub continental, they divide it to India and Pakistan (east and west) but Pakistan could not control east because of political boundary distance was exactly like West bank and Gaza strip, Now there are three countries in this region creation name India, Pakistan (west) and Bangladesh(East), Could create three countries Like - Israel, Gaza and Palestine. These solutions are viable for Israel because Israel needs a secure border and develop economic as Israel spending billions of dollars for their military budget and cutting military budget means can use social welfare. Israeli people needs wake and should not be a victim country by USA as US wants to use Israel in Middle East for their own interest.
"hamas leaders clearly saying there would be no peace". Exactly what Karni Eldad, of the Israeli far-right camp, was telling us here, on Haaretz yesterday. Another prove that the extremist camps on both sides are working hand in hand against peace.
Lemme guess, they're also gonna teach the PA how to use it, right?
No . . . I just don't think you'll be reading ANY such headline. In short, you're wrong.
its the only LONG TERM solution
After the UN vote, Israel will have to pick up the costs or forgo Palestinian security who will no longer have foreign funding. When the US cuts off the PA and pulls the same banking tricks as was done with the PA in 2006, Israel will have to choose - Peace or Iran.
Just without the US. Our forces are tied up.
The USA needs Iran as badly (if not more) than it needs Israel. Both countries are serving the US foreign policy in the same way. So, unless you "personally" wack Iran, the US of A will not do it.
I just hope Israel has the good sense to film and document EVERYTHING. The world has to see what is really happening on the ground. No more `one year after the truth about the Mavi Marmara comes out`!
It might help if Israel occasionally arrested some of these.
Give and take, and work towards peace. Yes, you can.
first you arm the mentally deficient settlers that have a shoot at anything palestinian and then you arm those who are there to protect peace and order (with just a little less firepower) want me to predict the outcome???
From Israel's perspective it's a no loose situation, get the Palestinians to do the dirty on other Palestinians! Of course the trouble is that this will just serve to further weaken the authority of the PA and increase that of Hamas. Short sighted at best.
Why does everyone see that its the occupation that is causing all these problems except Israel?
Because Israel is okay. It's the world that's screwed up. Haven't you got that yet?
The threat within is greater than the threat outside by the palis/ Deal harshly with settlers and their game of price tag. There are laws, now enforce them on these losers.
Will the IDF use this firepower against violent settlers?
We gave them weapons: they used them to shoot at us. Now we give them more weapons: guess who they will use them against ? Hint: it is not going to be against their own people. How many times can one do the same dumb thing?
All weapons currently used by the PA go through Israel. This is nothing new, and no there haven't been any PA attacks against Israelis, the PA military is merely an arm of the IDF. And uh, yeah they do oppress their own people, on the WB side of the Bethlehem wall it's is PA soldiers who monitor who enters the checkpoint. Just check the facts before you start a paranoia frenzy...
Have we not learned the lessons and mistakes of OSLO accords! Any weapons or material handed over to the PLO will be used against Jews. We saw this with the countless guns handed over to Fatah which ended up in the hands of the Tanzim and murdering our loved ones. Lets not be silly. I will remind all that the Egyptian security forces had riot gear at Israel's embassy, and much good that did.
True! But, the profits will go to the Israeli makers of the riot gear.
When you invade PA controlled cities, they may use the equipment to control your violence.
Hold on folks
...that this situation is probably normal for him?? How 'cute' would it be if that was the US and that was your child?
Warned half a year in advance regarding the UN bid for recognition / statehood, israel should have acted constructively, finding joint interests with the potential neighbors, facilitating the diplomatic channels, and preparing settlers emotionally for the coming eventuality. Instead, israel has done everything to be destructive and mean-spirited.
By any other name are still illegal settlers. Whether you choose to call it Judea or Bologna.
Rachel, I wholeheartedly hope they don't go anywhere. That way, when Palestinian state is finally proclaimed and IDF is at last withdrawn to Israel, you will be left with Pal citizenship in hand and Pal security forces on your doorstep. That would be the most just punishment for the settlers. Being left at the tender mercy of Palestinian police. How you would scurry from your illegal camps across the border, pleading to be allowed in Israel. I wouldn't let you in. You want Judea and Samaria? You have it. It is insensible for an entire country to be held hostage by a three houndred thousands radical right wing settlers.
No Matter what side ur on, u have to love the Picture at the top of the Article!!! :) Made me Smile. We should all just get along!!
The situation is twisted, On one hand there is this utter dependency on the decisions of the Israeli state. On the other hand there is this need to do the State's work for them. One one hand nobody wants riots out of control, oh no! And on the other hand "a riot is at bottom the language of the unheard." The Occupier gains if there is 'controlled" riot .
You are exactly right!
If the PA wants Statehood they should act like a state. Or are they going to skip the intermediate phase and apply for recognition as a failed-state? Forget the Turkish model for statehood, they want the Somalia model!
Well that rules Israel out then. Cause they sure as hell don't act like a state.
How merciful