Israel: Palestinian Authority has appointed fugitives to leading police posts

JERUSALEM [Middle East Newsline] -- The Palestinian Authority has appointed Hamas fugitives to leading positions in the police force, the Israeli Cabinet was told on Sunday.

The Cabinet was briefed by General Security Services chief Ami Ayalon on the whereabouts of 45 Palestinians wanted by Israel in connection with suicide bombings of Israeli buses over the last four years. The PA has refused numerous requests for the transfer of these suspects.

Cabinet sources quoted Ayalon as saying that some of the Hamas fugitives have been imprisoned in PA jails. They have been allowed to leave for extended furloughs but were brought back to PA prisons after Israeli protests.

At first, Ayalon hesitated in discussing the issue, Cabinet sources said. He told the ministers that his information was not updated.

When the ministers expressed surprise, Ayalon reported on the fugitives. He said many fugitives had been given posts in the PA police and security forces. He said that some of these posts include senior commands.

Last week, Israel requested from the PA the transfer of Mohammed Deif, regarded as the leading fugitive and believed responsible for the killing of more than 60 people in suicide bombings in 1996 and 1997. Israeli officials said they believe the PA has given Deif shelter despite Palestinian denials.

The discussion on Palestinian prisoners, Cabinet sources said, came during a review by Ayalon of the PA "Day of Anger" campaign against Jewish settlements held last week.