The United States believes that the Palestine Liberation Organization has become more flexible toward Israel.
It has warned the Israelis, however, that the Palestinian uprising will become more deadly and violent in the months ahead.
Those views emerged in recent official contacts between American intelligence officials and senior Israeli leaders, Ma’ariv reported Wednesday.
The uprising, which the Palestinians call the intifada, is already gaining momentum as the summer approaches.
It is spreading to areas that were previously relatively calm, and Palestinian efforts to acquire firearms are increasing, the American intelligence sources reportedly said.
But those sources know of no change in the PLO’s orders against the use of firearms by Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Ma’ariv said the United States is convinced that the PLO accepts the Israeli idea of Palestinian elections in the territories and that its conditions for such elections are more flexible than they appear from the rhetoric of PLO leaders.
Washington believes a genuine change has occurred in the PLO’s attitude toward Israel, including a recognition that it will have to negotiate with Israel, Ma’ariv reported.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
