ISRAEL AGREES TO U.S. REQUEST TO HELP FATAH

Israel's Security Cabinet Approves American Requests - Aluf Benn
Israel's security cabinet Wednesday adopted a number of resolutions aimed at satisfying American requests in advance of Prime Minister Olmert's visit to Washington in ten days. It decided to strengthen "elements in the Palestinian Authority other than the Hamas government," thereby effectively giving its approval to a plan by Gen. Keith Dayton, the American security coordinator in the territories, to arm and train forces loyal to PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas.

It also decided to give positive consideration to the PA's request to transfer thousands of rifles from Egypt and Jordan to Abbas' forces, as well as to America's request that Israel allow the Badr Brigade - a wing of the Palestine Liberation Army that is currently stationed in Jordan - to relocate to the territories. Dayton wants to turn the Badr Brigade into Abbas' rapid reaction force in Gaza. Both decisions require further approval from both Olmert and Defense Minister Amir Peretz, and a source in Olmert's office said: "We don't see approval being granted just now." Additionally, the cabinet agreed to "launder" the presence in the West Bank of some 5,000 Palestinians who hold American or European passports. (Ha'aretz)

See also Israel Okays Transfer of 5,000 Rifles to Abbas (Jerusalem Post)