The mayor of Bethlehem says 900 Palestinian troops will be sent to the city of Bethlehem. A Palestinian security commander says there are negotiations with Israel on enabling the forces to stay on after the holiday. In recent months, Palestinian security forces have gradually deployed in several West Bank cities. They've taken up positions in Nablus, Jenin and Hebron. It's part of an effort by President Mahmoud Abbas to expand control. Each deployment is a result of negotiations with Israel, according to a report of Associated Press. Bethlehem Mayor Victor Batarseh said Monday that 900 troops will come to Bethlehem for Christmas. Security chief Diab al-Ali says he expects a decision by the end of the week on allowing the forces to stay.
