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Palestinian Police Force Deployment in Autonomous Areas Hinges on Israeli Affirmation

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The deployment of a Palestinian police force in autonomous areas is conditional upon Israeli affirmation of certain security and protection measures, according to Nabil Sha'ath, head of the Palestinian team negotiating with Israel over autonomy plans. Reports from Washington suggested that Palestinian police might start deploying as early as next week, but Sha'ath clarified that this would only happen if Israel confirms its suggestions on the size and specifics of the police force.

Sha'ath emphasized that the PLO had negotiated a security agreement with Israel for the West Bank town of Hebron, where a massacre occurred in February, leading to the suspension of self-rule negotiations. However, the agreement only applies to Hebron, and the PLO is still awaiting Israel's response to proposals on outstanding details of the police force.

The deployment of Palestinian police is necessary to prevent a security vacuum when Israeli forces withdraw, according to Sha'ath. The PLO has also demanded the evacuation of settlers from central Hebron and other measures to stop violence against Palestinians, as well as a specific time frame for Israel's withdrawal and implementation of the autonomy plan.

Key Takeaways:

  • Nabil Sha'ath, head of the Palestinian team negotiating with Israel, stated that the agreement on many details of autonomy plans had not yet been finalized, including the size and specifics of the Palestinian police force.
  • The Palestinian police force may deploy in Gaza Strip and the towns of Jericho and Hebron next week, pending Israeli affirmation of security and protection measures.
  • The PLO has negotiated a security agreement with Israel for Hebron, which only applies to that town and not to other areas.
  • The evacuation of settlers from central Hebron and other measures to stop violence against Palestinians are Palestinian demands that will continue to be negotiated with Israel.
  • The PLO is awaiting Israel's response to proposals on outstanding details of the police force before the actual deployment can begin.
  • Nabil Sha'ath stressed that the deployment of Palestinian police is necessary to prevent a security vacuum when Israeli forces withdraw.

Statistics:

  • The massacre in the Ibrahimi mosque in Hebron occurred on February 25.
  • 22 member states of the Arab League attended the semiannual session in Cairo, which included a discussion of the Middle East peace process in light of the Hebron massacre.
  • The Arab economic boycott against Israel, which has been in place for 43 years, was also discussed during the session.

Sources:

  • Nabil Sha'ath, head of the Palestinian team negotiating with Israel, interviewed by the Arabic service of the British Broadcasting Corp.
  • Report from Washington, quoting an anonymous U.S. official, on Palestinian police deployment.
  • Opening address by Esmat Abdel Meguid, Secretary General of the Arab League.
  • Statement by Farouk Al Shara'a, Syrian Foreign Minister.
  • Address by Farouk Al Qaddoumi, PLO's Chief of the Political Department.

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