(Tuesday, 20 Aug.) IDF forces pulled out of the PA autonomous area of Bethlehem on Monday night, taking up position in the area outside of the city as the 'Gaza and Bethlehem First' agreement gets underway. PA forces under the command of Haj Islmail moved back into position following Israel's withdrawal.
Defense Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer this week met with PA Interior Minister Abdel Razek Yichye, leading to the implementation of the agreement which calls on the PA to assume responsibility for stopping terror in Bethlehem, which will lead to a similar arrangement in Gaza.
IDF commanders point out that the difference in the city is minimal, explaining there are no permanent IDF outposts in the city and the patrols in the streets with tanks and armored vehicles stopped ahead of the decision to withdraw from the city.
National Religious Party leader Minister Effie Eitam decried the agreement, explaining it was contrary to the terms of his party joining the government. Eitam explained the NRP joined the coalition without any demands for ministerial positions, realizing the need of the hour – to support Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's war on terror. Eitam explained that a withdrawal from Bethlehem and turning control over to the PA was not debated in the cabinet and the move was taken without consulting with ministers. Eitam was critical of Ben-Eliezer and Prime Minister Ariel Sharon for moving "behind the government's back," admitting his party was contemplating leaving the national unity coalition government. Eitam explained the NRP could not take responsibility for the government's actions if the party is not included in the decision-making process.
Officials in the Yesha (Judea, Samaria, & Gaza) Council stated that just as the PA begins showing signs of fatigue and a willingness to make concessions, Israel agrees to the 'Gaza and Bethlehem First' plan which in essence is jump starting the Oslo process. Yesha Council officials added that the implementation of the plan would permit terror organizations within the PA to rehabilitate themselves since they are no longer under the watchful eye of the IDF.
The NRP leader also accused Defense Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer of using the IDF to advance his own political aspirations. Ben-Eliezer, the Labor Party leader, is involved in the party's leadership race. Current polls show Ben-Eliezer lagging behind Haifa Mayor Amram Mitzna.
Defense Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer this week met with PA Interior Minister Abdel Razek Yichye, leading to the implementation of the agreement which calls on the PA to assume responsibility for stopping terror in Bethlehem, which will lead to a similar arrangement in Gaza.
IDF commanders point out that the difference in the city is minimal, explaining there are no permanent IDF outposts in the city and the patrols in the streets with tanks and armored vehicles stopped ahead of the decision to withdraw from the city.
National Religious Party leader Minister Effie Eitam decried the agreement, explaining it was contrary to the terms of his party joining the government. Eitam explained the NRP joined the coalition without any demands for ministerial positions, realizing the need of the hour – to support Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's war on terror. Eitam explained that a withdrawal from Bethlehem and turning control over to the PA was not debated in the cabinet and the move was taken without consulting with ministers. Eitam was critical of Ben-Eliezer and Prime Minister Ariel Sharon for moving "behind the government's back," admitting his party was contemplating leaving the national unity coalition government. Eitam explained the NRP could not take responsibility for the government's actions if the party is not included in the decision-making process.
Officials in the Yesha (Judea, Samaria, & Gaza) Council stated that just as the PA begins showing signs of fatigue and a willingness to make concessions, Israel agrees to the 'Gaza and Bethlehem First' plan which in essence is jump starting the Oslo process. Yesha Council officials added that the implementation of the plan would permit terror organizations within the PA to rehabilitate themselves since they are no longer under the watchful eye of the IDF.
The NRP leader also accused Defense Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer of using the IDF to advance his own political aspirations. Ben-Eliezer, the Labor Party leader, is involved in the party's leadership race. Current polls show Ben-Eliezer lagging behind Haifa Mayor Amram Mitzna.