JERUSALEM (JTA) — Israel’s army will largely keep its forces out of four large Palestinian cities in the West Bank.
The Israeli Defense Forces said Thursday it will strengthen the Palestinian Authority by remaining out of Kalkilya, Ramallah, Jericho and Bethlehem, according to reports.
The move comes after the army recently removed several West Bank checkpoints in order to allow Palestinian residents free movement in the area.
Soldiers would still enter the cities in order to thwart imminent attacks.
Palestinian forces had been operating during the day and the Israeli army overnight.
