Palestinian intelligence offices in at least two West Bank cities have been ordered to hide sensitive documents in preparation for possible violence, Channel 12 reported Tuesday.
According to the report, a large number of physical files have been transferred to unspecified locations as Ramallah anticipates an uptick in tensions if Israel goes ahead with its intentions to apply sovereignty over areas within the West Bank.
Previously, such preparations were only made in the run-up to the Second Intifada - a violent uprising that lasted from 2000 until 2005 which saw scores of terror attacks on Israelis and IDF forces.
The report comes as the July 1 deadline for a vote on the move, as outlined in U.S. President Donald Trump's Middle East peace plan, nears. The plan includes Israel keeping its settlements in the West Bank and the Palestinians establishing a state under stringent conditions.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has set the date to begin advancing his plan to extend sovereignty over Israel's settlements and the Jordan Valley, hoping for a green light from Washington.
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his entourage visiting the Jordan Valley
(Photo: Alex Kolomoisky)
The Palestinians have rejected the proposal and voiced outrage against Israel's proposed annexation.
Warning of possible violence and diplomatic repercussions, some European and Arab states, together with the United Nations, have urged Israel not to annex its settlements, regarded by many countries as illegal.
Israel's neighboring Jordan has also been increasingly vocal in its opposition to annexation, warning that the move could jeopardize the peace treaty between the two countries.