The sources said the Nablus plan was coordinated and implemented with
the United States, which has been training PA security forces. They said
U.S. diplomats and officers were helping facilitate PA patrols and equipment
acquisition.
Until late 2010, PA security forces were required to end operations at 1
a.m. daily. The sources said this enabled frequent Israel Army raids of
Nablus in search of suspected Hamas insurgents.
The sources said Israel has insisted on its right to continue
counter-insurgency operations in Nablus. They said Israel has pledged to
coordinate all operations in Nablus with PA commanders.
Nablus has been deemed a major stronghold of Hamas as well as
Fatah-aligned criminal gangs. The sources said the northern city was deemed
calm over the last year.
On Nov. 17, the PA said Hamas had plotted to kill Nablus Gov. Jibrin Al
Bakri. The plot was said to have been halted by PA raids of Hamas
strongholds in the Nablus area, which resulted in arrests and seizure of
cash.
"Hamas should take full responsibility for this assassination plot
against the governor of Nablus," Fatah spokesman Ahmed Assaf said.
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