The new 300-strong contingent of the new Palestinian Authority police force began to operate in Shechem on Friday, but its hours are limited.

The new force, trained by U.S. military envoy to the region, Lt.-Gen. Keith Dayton, is tasked with putting the brakes on common criminals and maintaining general law and order. Its hours of operation are limited to 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight, according to the PA officers who were quoted by Haaretz.

Counter-terrorism operations and special security responsibility remains under IDF control.