Israel to allow PA policemen to carry arms

[Gimel]

Israel has authorized Palestinian Authority policemen to bear arms in a number of cities in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, in order to control the anarchy raging in Palestinian cities.

Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz approved the decision Thursday following a thorough assessment of the current situation, Israel Radio reported.

In recent weeks chaos spiraled in the West Bank and Gaza owing to bloody struggles for leadership between rival factions. Attempts by Palestinian security forces to regain control have been futile, prompting the PA to declare a state of emergency two weeks ago.

According to Mofaz's decision, the distribution of arms to Palestinian security enforcers will begin over the next few weeks.

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