The Russian government had planned to supply the Palestinian Authority (PA) with reconnaissance and patrol fighting machines but backed down "after taking into consideration Israel's position." Instead, the PA will receive 30 all-terrain vehicles, said PA national security advisor Jibril Rajoub.
Israel previously refused to allow a Russian offer to give the PA two upgraded medium transport helicopters and armored scout vehicles, which security officials feared would be used against Israel. PA police last week wrote a letter to chairman Mahmoud Abbas stating that it would use weapons only against Israel and not against terrorists.
PA interior ministry spokesman Colonel Tawfiq told Jane's Defense Weekly, "The Russians are ready to provide us with ammunition and light arms but [the decision] is up to the Israeli government, which is still refusing to authorize armament provision for our forces."
The PA also is scheduled to receive from Egypt half a million bullets, donated by the United States, the China News Agency Xinhua reported.
Israel agreed to the shipment on condition that the bullets be used only by the PA security forces. Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz Minister previously had objected to giving the PA more weapons and ammunitions. He told the United States that the PA would have all the weapons it needed if it would disarm terrorists.
Israel changed its position following American pressure, based on reports from special military envoy Lt.-Gen. William Ward that the PA police could not fight off opposition terrorists because of lack of ammunition.
The Russian shipment of the vehicles and helicopters follows an increasingly close relationship between the PA and Russia, a member of the Quartet, which played a pivotal role in forging an agreement with Israel allowing the PA to re-open the Rafiah border crossing without direct Israeli surveillance. Other members are the United States, the United Nations and the European Union
Russian police officers are training PA police and security forces, the PA radio service said.
Israel previously refused to allow a Russian offer to give the PA two upgraded medium transport helicopters and armored scout vehicles, which security officials feared would be used against Israel. PA police last week wrote a letter to chairman Mahmoud Abbas stating that it would use weapons only against Israel and not against terrorists.
PA interior ministry spokesman Colonel Tawfiq told Jane's Defense Weekly, "The Russians are ready to provide us with ammunition and light arms but [the decision] is up to the Israeli government, which is still refusing to authorize armament provision for our forces."
The PA also is scheduled to receive from Egypt half a million bullets, donated by the United States, the China News Agency Xinhua reported.
Israel agreed to the shipment on condition that the bullets be used only by the PA security forces. Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz Minister previously had objected to giving the PA more weapons and ammunitions. He told the United States that the PA would have all the weapons it needed if it would disarm terrorists.
Israel changed its position following American pressure, based on reports from special military envoy Lt.-Gen. William Ward that the PA police could not fight off opposition terrorists because of lack of ammunition.
The Russian shipment of the vehicles and helicopters follows an increasingly close relationship between the PA and Russia, a member of the Quartet, which played a pivotal role in forging an agreement with Israel allowing the PA to re-open the Rafiah border crossing without direct Israeli surveillance. Other members are the United States, the United Nations and the European Union
Russian police officers are training PA police and security forces, the PA radio service said.