PM considers allowing Jordanian forces to enter West Bank
Abbas expected to ask Olmert to approve entry of Palestinian Bader Division
forces to preserve his control over West Bank; Palestinian leader will also
request Israel's permission to transfer dozens of armored vehicles from
Egypt to Palestinian territories
Ronny Sofer YNET Published: 07.12.07, 00:45 / Israel News
www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3424458,00.html

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is considering allowing forces from the
Palestinian Bader Division of the Jordanian army to enter the West Bank at
President Mahmoud Abbas' request.

The two leaders are expected to discuss the matter on Monday during their
meeting in Jerusalem.

Prior to Hamas' takeover of Gaza Abbas asked that Bader Division forces be
allowed entry to the Strip, but his current request is aimed at preserving
his control over the West Bank.

Israeli officials refused to say whether Olmert would grant the request at
this stage. It should be noted that the security establishment had denied a
similar request by Abbas in the past.

During Monday's meeting the Palestinian leader is also set to ask that
Israel approve the transfer of several dozen armored vehicles from Egypt, a
move he claimed would help maintain public order in the Palestinian
territories.

Abbas will also ask Israel to authorize the transfer of thousands of
protective vests and additional military gear to his forces.

Olmert, for his part, is expected to bring to the meeting the list of 250
Fatah prisoners slated for release by Israel. The prime minister is also
expected to official inform Abbas of the release of the frozen Palestinian
tax funds and of Israel's guarantee to transfer any funds collected on
behalf of the Palestinians in the future.

It is not yet clear whether US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who is
scheduled to arrive in the Middle East on Monday, will take part in the
meeting.