PASF SUPPORT TO CONGEN DURING JERICHO CRISIS

C O N F I D E N T I A L JERUSALEM 001080

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

NEA FOR FRONT OFFICE; NSC FOR ABRAMS/DORAN/MUSTAFA

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/15/2016
TAGS: KPAL ASEC CASC MOPS IS PTER PGOV
SUBJECT: PASF SUPPORT TO CONGEN DURING JERICHO CRISIS

REF: A. JERUSALEM 1059

B. JERUSALEM 1060

C. JERUSALEM 1061

D. JERUSALEM 01078

Classified By: Deputy Principal Officer Chris Stevens, per reasons 1.4
(b) and (d).


1. (C) SUMMARY: Despite widespread anger over rumors of USG
complicity in the March 14 IDF attack on the Jericho prison,
PA Security Forces (PASF) worked closely with the ConGen to
mitigate violence against AmCits over the course of March 14.
ConGen officers were able to enlist Interior Ministry and
PASF contacts for informational and security support
throughout the crisis. END SUMMARY.


2. Instances of PASF support for the ConGen during the
Jericho siege and resulting unrest in Gaza and the West Bank
included the following (For details on these incidents see
refs A-D):

-- At 1445L on March 14, RSO received a phone tip that
several AmCits were under attack by a pro-PFLP mob at the
campus of the American International School in Gaza.
Following telcons with RSO and FSNIGA, units affiliated with
the Presidential Guard and forces associated with PLC member
Muhammad Dahlan engaged militants attacking the school
compound, preventing a mob from ransacking the school and
taking several AmCit hostages. RSO was able to coordinate a
PASF convoy to evacuate the AmCits, who transited Erez
crossing into Israel at 1620L.

-- Following the March 14 abduction and release of American
Arab University professor, Doug Johnson, in Jenin, Preventive
Security Organization (PSO) and National Security Forces
(NSF) contacted the ConGen to say that it would not be safe
for AmCits to remain in Jenin overnight. PSO and NSF
officers escorted 14 foreigners -- including ten AmCits -- to
the border with Israel.

-- MOI officials provided extensive informational support on
the security situation in the West Bank and Gaza, including a
tip on a threat to USG officials made by purported PFLP
militants during a rally in Ramallah,s Manar Square.
Working level MOI contacts were sometimes even able to
provide real-time information on events occurring within the
Jericho compound.

-- International media sources reported several instances of
Palestinian Civil Policemen protecting foreigners working at
relief agencies in the West Bank and Gaza from attack by
militants.

WALLES