Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said Israel would transfer new vehicles and equipment to the security forces of Palestinian National Authority (PNA), local daily Haaretz reported on its website on Thursday.
The report said Barak announce the decision before his talks at his Tel Aviv home with Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad on Wednesday.
Barak said that the vehicles, some of which are armored, and the equipment will be transferred to Palestinian security forces and elite Presidential Guard loyal to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, according to the report.
Meanwhile, the defense minister also pledged to cease the travel restrictions for West Bank residents by removing some roadblocks.
However, he ruled out the massive removal of checkpoints and roadblocks in the West Bank, citing fear of militant infiltrations.
The transfer of equipment and ease of restriction were among series of Israeli goodwill gesture before a visit by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice at this weekend.
On Tuesday, the defense minister announced that he has approved the entry of 600 Palestinian policemen into Jenin, where they will engage in routine law enforcement. The policemen are going to complete their training in Jordan.
In addition, Palestinian police force will be rigged with Kalashnikov rifles, rubber bullets and night-vision equipment, according to Israeli Army Radio.
Source:Xinhua
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