The source said Dayton, a three-star general, was awaiting word of his
next posting. His predecessor, Lt. Gen. William Ward, was appointed to head
the new African Command.
Dayton has been credited with raising PA security services to their
highest level since their formation in 1994. During his tenure, the U.S. envoy
focused on developing the National Security Forces and Presidential Guard.
The source said the general, appointed by then-President George W. Bush,
had sought to leave his post for at least a year amid tensions with the PA.
But President Barack Obama, on the advice of envoy George Mitchell,
asked Dayton to remain in his post to facilitate accelerated peace efforts
between Israel and the PA to establish a Palestinian state in the West Bank
by 2012.
At this point, the White House has not announced Dayton's planned
departure. But the general was said to have been spending less time in the
West Bank as he prepared to return permanently to the United States.
Dayton, however, was expected to facilitate negotiations between Israel
and the PA regarding the transfer of security responsibility for the West Bank.
The PA has demanded that Israel transfer full control of such cities as
Kalkilya, Nablus and Tulkarm by late 2010. Israel has already transferred
security responsibility for the northern West Bank city of Jenin.