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Israel

Jerusalem may extend PA’s security powers

Israeli-Palestinian discussions on security control transfer in effort to bolster Mahmoud Abbas

September 19, 2008 14:55
1 min read

Israel and the Palestinians are discussing the potential transfer of security control over the West Bank city of Hebron to Fatah security forces in an effort to bolster Mahmoud Abbas.

Mr Abbas's presidential term is due to end on January 9. In the absence of new elections, he will be replaced by Abdel Aziz Dweik, a senior Hamas official and speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council, currently in an Israeli prison.

Israel hopes that Mr Abbas will stay in the post, but is concerned that if he does not reach an understanding with Hamas over an extension of his term, violent clashes could break out in the West Bank between Fatah and Hamas.

Mr Olmert and Mr Abbas met in Jerusalem on Tuesday to discuss the ongoing negotiations.