Minister Ze’ev Elkin got the job, to explain to the media why Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu met ordered secret talks with PA (Palestinian Authority) negotiators and decided not to keep his Security Cabinet in the loop. Elkin spoke with Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) on Tuesday morning 5 Adar-II to explain.

Elkin was commenting on a Haaretz report that PM Netanyahu held secret talks with the PA. Elkin admitted the Security Cabinet was not briefed, stating this was not proper protocol, adding this was because the Palestinians rejected the offer on the table.

Elkin explained “As usual, the Palestinians never miss an opportunity to miss out on an opportunity”.

According to the report, Israel offered to halt operations in Ramallah and Yericho unless there is a “ticking time bomb”. If the PA accepted this, the same measures would extend to other areas “A” too.

PA Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki confirmed that the PA rejects Israel’s offer, Haaretz reports, adding the PA calls on Israel to halt such activities in all PA cities immediately.

NOTE: Ramallah and Yericho carry an “Area A” designation under the Oslo Agreements, under exclusive PA civil and security control. However, Israel continues operating in those cities when the need arises , at times to prevent terror attacks or possibly to apprehend wanted suspects.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)