Visits Bethlehem. Ashkenazi
Photo: Avi Muallem
Encouraging. Fayyad in Bethlehem (archives)
Photo: AFP
IDF: No escalation in violence expected
Army officials say Palestinians not looking to ignite region, encouraged by Fayyad's statehood plan; IDF chief tours Bethlehem
The IDF predicts that the stalemate in the Israel-Palestinian negotiations is not expected to lead to a significant escalation in violence, Ynet reported Sunday.
However, sources in the security establishment have defined the coming weeks and months as "sensitive," adding that some terror groups will look to carry out attacks in order to undermine stability.
According to senior IDF officials, the Palestinians are encouraged by Prime Minister Salam Fayyad's plan to set up governmental institutions ahead of the establishment of an independent state, and at this point are not looking to ignite the region.
Despite the relative calm, an army official said, "We are continuing to prepare for any development."
On Sunday IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi toured Bethlehem, one of the more peaceful West Bank cities. The hour-long visit was coordinated with Palestinian security forces.
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