News Brief09:13 AM

(IsraelNN.com) Israel will allow the Palestinian Authority (PA) to take control of security in a widespread area in Samaria that would be larger than the area in Gaza, according to a plan unveiled by Quartet Middle East envoy Tony Blair. His plan also calls for an economic free zone around Jenin, which shares with Shechem the title of "the terrorist capitals" of Israel. He wants to extend the idea to all of Judea and Samaria.

Blair unveiled the plan as world leaders converged on Jerusalem for President Shimon Peres Facing Tomorrow Conference. The Times of London reported, "The plan is highly vulnerable--a single Palestinian suicide bomber will prompt a renewed Israeli clampdown."

Blair maintained that the Israeli military establishment has backed his plan but admitted that "there is going to be enormous skepticism." He said his project is different from other because it includes investments that are meant to employ Arabs. Blair said Israel would reserve the right to send troops into the area if there is the threat of an imminent terrorist attack.