Does shootout threaten Israeli-Palestinian security ties?
A recent run-in between Israeli soldiers and Palestinian security forces in the West Bank raises questions about the future of their security coordination.
RAMALLAH, West Bank — The calm that had prevailed in Nablus in the northern West Bank turned into an overnight battle early June 11 after Israeli soldiers surrounded and opened fire on the Palestinian Preventive Security (PPS) headquarters. Palestinian security officers responded and two of the men were slightly wounded.
The exchange of fire was the most dangerous between Palestinian security forces and the Israeli army since Operation Defensive Shield in the West Bank in 2002, when Israeli forces invaded Palestinian cities and destroyed Palestinian security headquarters.
According to the PPS, the recent clash broke out after they approached a civilian car that had raised suspicion as it was parked near the Nablus security headquarters. The car, however, was occupied by special Israeli forces, who opened fire after they were discovered; the Palestinians responded to the shooting. When Israeli military reinforcements arrived, they encircled the area and opened fire.
Burhan Mashaki, spokesman for the PPS, told Al-Monitor, “PPS officers were surprised with intense shooting from Israelis at the headquarters.” He said that they were shooting through the offices and corridors of the headquarters to kill, and security members obstructed their advancement.
