By Xinhua
Jerusalem : Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said on Wednesday evening that Israel would transfer partial security matters to Palestinian security forces in the West Bank.
Barak made the remarks during his meeting with visiting U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, local daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported on its website.
Barak was quoted as saying that Israel would be willing to allow the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) to oversee day-time security in one or two West Bank cities.
He also pledged that Israel would gradually boost cooperation with the PNA on security matters.
Meanwhile, Barak presented Rice with plans to erase 24checkpoints in the West Bank as part of Israel’s promise to Washington and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to ease the living conditions of the Palestinians.
Israeli Prime Minister Olmert has agreed, during his recent meetings with Abbas, to dismantle roadblocks and checkpoints in the West Bank. But the defense establishments are reluctant to do so, citing security concerns.
Rice arrived in Israel earlier on Wednesday, starting her 24-hour visit to the region.
During her stay, she met with Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, Vice Premier Haim Ramon and opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu.
On Thursday, Rice will travel to the West Bank city of Ramallah to meet with the Palestinian leadership, before she leave Israel in the afternoon.