ISA chief Yoram Cohen
ISA chief Yoram CohenMiriam Alster/Flash90

The Israel Security Agency (ISA, also known as the Shin Bet or Shabak) warned Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon and other senior defense officials of the danger, following reports of secret talks with the Palestinian Authority (PA), according to Haaretz.

The talks are allegedly aimed at withdrawing Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) presence from Judea and Samaria's Area A cities, including Jericho.

The ISA joins in the criticism and claims that removing the IDF from Arab cities in Judea and Samaria could made it more difficult to prevent terror attacks.

It should be noted that this position contradicts the stance presented the IDF, which was the basis of discussions, claiming that the move would not harm Israel's ability to prevent attacks. Moreover, the IDF rely on the ability of PA security forces to carry out a large part of IDF operations currently engaged within the area.

"Shabak's position to sensitive political issues is presented in front political figured and not the media," said an ISA spokesperson.

"The IDF guard and always keep on guarding freedom everywhere, as they determine according to operational needs," Prime Minister Netanyahu's office said. "This policy will not change and will continue into the future."