IDF poised to implement first Wye transfer

By ARIEH O'SULLIVAN

TEL AVIV (November 20) - IDF officers are to meet with their Palestinian counterparts in the Jenin area this morning to transfer territory to them as part of as the first stage of the Wye redeployment.

Large cement blocks painted yellow and black are to be laid out as border markers demarcating Areas A, B, and C. Soldiers will also post hundreds of signs telling people they are entering Palestinian Authority territory. The short process is expected to begin early this morning and is expected to include some 500 square kilometers. No military bases or settlements are to be dismantled, but the army has been busy fortifying settlements with trenches, guard towers, and increased patrols. Bypass roads are also being constructed.

Yesterday, IDF and Palestinian officers toured the Jenin area to coordinate the transfer. It was the first time that the Palestinians have seen the redeployment map.

The transfer comprises 2 percent of territory Israel is transferring from its sole control to joint jurisdiction (Area C to B) and another 7.1% from Area B to full Palestinian control (Area A). According to the Wye agreement 13% of the West Bank is to be handed over to the Palestinians, who must declare 3% a nature reserve, in three phases. Another 14.2% of land currently under joint control will be transferred to sole Palestinian jurisdiction.

Military sources said the redeployment is to start with Jenin and move southward as the peace process progresses.

Following cabinet approval of the Wye agreement, Defense Minister Yitzhak Mordechai convened a meeting of top IDF commanders to put into motion today's redeployment. He officially gave the IDF instructions to hand over the designated territory to the Palestinians. The Civil Administration will also hand over its authority in the areas transferred.

All of the IDF brass were there including Chief of General Staff Lt.-Gen. Shaul Mofaz, his deputy Maj.-Gen. Uzi Dayan, OC Intelligence Maj.-Gen. Amos Malcha, OC Planning Maj.-Gen. Shlomo Yanai, OC Central Command Maj.-Gen. Moshe Ya'alon and head of the anti-terror desk Maj.-Gen. (res.) Meir Dagan. Also attending were the head of the General Security Service Ami Ayalon and Mordechai's senior adviser David Ivry.

"The Defense Minister gave approval for the IDF to carry out a gradual transfer of the territory in coordination with the Palestinian Authority as was agreed upon in the first stage," a Defense Ministry statement said.

Mordechai also gave his formal approval for the protocol to be signed today to operate the Dahaniya airport. But it is still not clear when it will start operations.

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