Israel will help with weapons to Fatah

Israel will "transfer" firearms and other weapons to the Fatah-dominated guard of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, the Israeli newspaper Haaretz said Thursday.

The paper said Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert, who has just returned from a three-day visit to the US, and defense minister Amir Peretz, accepted recommendations from the defense and intelligence establishment to allow for the transfer of the weapons.

The paper said the weapons would be given to Abbas's guard via an unnamed third-party. Haaretz quoted anonymous defense sources as saying the arms will be for the sole purpose of protecting Abbas.

Haaretz said the move was seen a response to the "continued strengthening of Islamic organizations." Palestinian officials reached for their comments refused to answer question on the subject.

This comes amid an atmosphere of continued tense relations between the Hamas and Fatah, and reported recent gunfire fighting in Gaza.

Yesterday, Israel said Defense Minister Amir Peretz has decided to allow the transfer of arms "from states in the region to Palestinian security forces loyal to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas." The weapons are said to be for Abbas's protection and "fighting terrorism". It was not specified which neighboring Arab states would be involved, if any, and if Abbas has asked for these weapons, or if this is merely an Israeli idea.

Meantime, The Washington Post reported today that "The Hamas-led government's private militia returned to the streets of Gaza Saturday after a one-day absence, complicating efforts to end an increasingly bloody standoff with President Mahmoud Abbas' rival Fatah movement." The report added that Hamas officials signaled today "they would not honor the deadline" given by Abbass for a referendum that would in effect "implies recognition of Israel and accepting it."