Israel has agreed to limit its counter-terror operations in four Palestinian Authority cities to boost a PA security campaign supported by Washington, security sources told Reuters on Thursday. The Israeli army will refrain from entering Bethlehem, Ramallah, Jericho and Kalkilya unless it believes a terror attack against Israeli citizens is imminent.
"The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) will act as little as possible to allow the Palestinians to take more initiative and responsibilities over their own security," an Israeli security source said, referring to PA forces that receive United States and European funding, equipment and training. "As long as they take a step forward in responsibility, we will take a step back in controlling the area." The move coincides with Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu attempts to persuade U.S. President Barack Obama to soften his demand for a total freeze on Jewish building in Judea and Samaria.