U.S. National Security Advisor Condoleeza Rice will end her visit to Israel this evening. She met with Israeli Cabinet ministers today, telling them that even though the hudna is not the ideal solution, it must be given a chance. She also said that the U.S. does not view favorably Israel's construction of the partition fence between Arab-populated areas in Yesha and the rest of Israel. Prime Minister Sharon rejected her words, saying that the fence is necessary for reasons of security and has no political significance. The Yesha Council and the U.S. thus find themselves on the same side of this issue.
Arab sources say that hundreds of Arabs have completed PA police training in the last few days. They plan to deploy in the northern Gaza areas from which Israel is expected to withdraw. Most of them were members of the PA para-military police force who needed to review their skills and receive new instructions from Muhammad Dahlan. There is still talk of joint patrols with Israeli forces along Gaza's main north-south route.
In addition, another 1,500 special forces have begun training to deal with dispersing demonstrations and foiling terrorist attempts.
The agreement currently being negotiated between the PA and Israel - with the participation of US envoy John Wolfe - stipulates that Israel will stop its counter-terrorism efforts, including razing of terrorists' homes, raids on suspected terrorist hideouts, and targeted killings. Israel will also open the north-south Gaza route to Arab traffic throughout the day. The route passes through Kfar Darom, but at present the traffic will be diverted to alternate routes at that spot. "We will do everything possible to ensure that Arabs do not pass through Kfar Darom," said Gaza Coast Regional Coast chief Avner Shimoni. "At present, the Arabs are to use detours, but we have to be prepared for every eventuality."
The PA, for its part, will promise to act to stop terrorism against Israel.
Dahlan has vetoed the participation of O.C. Southern Command IDF Gen. Doron Almog in talks with Israel. Almog said at the end of last week that the last thing that interests Dahlan is Israel's security, "and even the welfare of Palestinians is not his main concern. I told him that instead of the IDF sitting in Beit Hanoun to prevent Kassam rockets at Sderot, he should take responsibility so that PA workers could resume coming to work. He didn't even relate to it."
Arab sources say that hundreds of Arabs have completed PA police training in the last few days. They plan to deploy in the northern Gaza areas from which Israel is expected to withdraw. Most of them were members of the PA para-military police force who needed to review their skills and receive new instructions from Muhammad Dahlan. There is still talk of joint patrols with Israeli forces along Gaza's main north-south route.
In addition, another 1,500 special forces have begun training to deal with dispersing demonstrations and foiling terrorist attempts.
The agreement currently being negotiated between the PA and Israel - with the participation of US envoy John Wolfe - stipulates that Israel will stop its counter-terrorism efforts, including razing of terrorists' homes, raids on suspected terrorist hideouts, and targeted killings. Israel will also open the north-south Gaza route to Arab traffic throughout the day. The route passes through Kfar Darom, but at present the traffic will be diverted to alternate routes at that spot. "We will do everything possible to ensure that Arabs do not pass through Kfar Darom," said Gaza Coast Regional Coast chief Avner Shimoni. "At present, the Arabs are to use detours, but we have to be prepared for every eventuality."
The PA, for its part, will promise to act to stop terrorism against Israel.
Dahlan has vetoed the participation of O.C. Southern Command IDF Gen. Doron Almog in talks with Israel. Almog said at the end of last week that the last thing that interests Dahlan is Israel's security, "and even the welfare of Palestinians is not his main concern. I told him that instead of the IDF sitting in Beit Hanoun to prevent Kassam rockets at Sderot, he should take responsibility so that PA workers could resume coming to work. He didn't even relate to it."