(Communicated by the IDF Spokesman)
August 10, 2001
Early this morning (10 Aug) IDF forces took control of the Governor's
House compound, and surrounding structures, in the Abu-Dis
neighborhood of eastern Jerusalem. The compound serves as
headquarters for PA security, which includes Force 17, General
Intelligence Force, the Preventative Security Service, Military
Intelligence, the Political Guidance Apparatus (responsible for
military and political propaganda) and the Palestinian Police forces.
These armed services operate illegally and in contravention of signed
agreements, as this area was determined to be 'Area B' (under Israeli
security control) upon the implementation of the Hebron Accord.
As a whole, the neighborhood of Abu-Dis is classified as either Area
B or C, which are both under Israeli security control. The Oslo
accords do not allow the operation of Palestinian armed services in
such areas.
Due to the fact that the PA utilizes its security apparatus to
dispatch militants to conduct terrorist operations, and is doing
nothing to prevent the continued terrorism, it was decided to take
control of the compound and to remove the PA security apparatus
offices.
In addition, the IDF carried out a strike against the Palestinian
Authority's West Bank police headquarters in Ramallah, due to the
involvement of Palestinian policemen in terrorist operations and
shooting attacks against IDF troops.
The IDF will continue to take all necessary steps to protect the
security of Israeli servicemen and citizens.