The ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet) is opposed to talks of diminishing its presence in areas under total PA (Palestinian Authority) autonomous control, designated as “Areas A” under the Oslo Agreements. According to a Haaretz report, this is one of the items being discussed in secretive talks between Israel and the PA. The ISA expressed its opposition to such a reality in a document presented to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon and other unmentioned senior officials.

Haaretz quotes senior Jerusalem officials as the source for the report, adding the ISA fears such a move would limit the agency’s movements and ability to combat terror in those areas.

Haaretz reports on Monday 10 Nissan that PA reports state the sides met in secret as recently as Sunday, 9 Nissan. The report adds that the negotiating teams include Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories Major-General Yoav Mordechai & Central District Commander Major-General Roni Numa. The PA team includes Civilian Affairs Minister Hussein a-Sheikh and Palestinian intelligence chief Majid Faraj.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)