The Israeli army plans to limit incursions in four Palestinian cities to try to boost a security campaign supported by Washington, Israeli and Western security sources said on Thursday. The move coincides with attempts by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to ease tensions with US President Barack Obama over Jewish settlement building in the occupied West Bank. On Monday, Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak will meet Obama's Mideast envoy, George Mitchell, as part of that effort. Israeli and Western sources said the Israeli military would refrain from entering Bethlehem, Ramallah, Jericho and Qalqilya, except in cases where the army believed militants were poised to attack Israelis. A senior Palestinian security official dismissed the move as a public relations “sham.” He said Israel should impose a blanket ban on all incursions. “The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) will act as little as possible to allow the Palestinians to take more initiative and responsibilities over their own security,” an Israeli security source said, referring to Palestinian forces that receive US- and European-funded training and equipment. “As long as they take a step forward in responsibility, we will take a step back in controlling the area.” But the Israeli source added: “In circumstances of ‘ticking bombs', or a planned attack, Israel will not hesitate to enter and thwart the attack.” The senior Palestinian security official countered: “If there is to be a change, they (Israeli troops) should stop the incursions, not enter under the pretext of ‘ticking bombs'.” Israel has in recent months reduced its presence in parts of the West Bank but the army still carries out routine patrols and occasional arrest raids. Under US pressure, Israel has taken down some West Bank checkpoints, including one at the entrance to the city of Jericho. But hundreds more remain in place, restricting Palestinian travel and trade.
