(Jerusalem Post) Herb Keinon and Margot Dudkevitch- Israeli security officials said the PA police would be permitted to carry handguns only after a screening process carried out by the Shin Bet. Defense Minister Mofaz said only those who have no link to terrorism and have no previous security violations would be permitted to carry guns. "We will not allow them to carry 'hot' weapons in areas that can endanger the security of Israelis," he said. "This process will be carefully coordinated with IDF commanders and officers on the ground. If we see that the move is fruitless, we will reverse our decision. It will be totally unacceptable that these armed men obstruct operations carried out by the IDF in the West Bank," Mofaz added. Former Mossad chief Ephraim Halevy said, "If we want to see law and order restored on the other side, I think we need to allow the PA police to carry arms."
2004-08-09 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive