Netanyahu: IDF Retains the Right to Operate in Area A

Jerusalem, 20 April, 2016 (TPS) -- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the cabinet on Wednesday that “the IDF reserves the option of entering Area A and anywhere else that operational needs demand,” according to a statement from the prime minister’s office, which added that “no other agreement with the Palestinians has been made.”

Under the Oslo Accords between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, Area A refers to territory under full Palestinian civil and security control. Following the wave of Palestinian suicide bombings against Israelis in the early 2000’s, however, the IDF reentered Area A and continues to conduct periodic counter-terror raids in the territory.

The cabinet also unanimously approved a multi-year IDF plan through the year 2020. “The plan will allow for acquiring advanced weapons techonology and building strength alongside increasing efficiency,” the statement said.