Palestinians seek control of Hebron

HEBRON, West Bank, Sept. 17 (UPI) -- The Palestinian Authority is asking Israel for permission to take military control of the West Bank city of Hebron to thwart moves by Hamas, sources say.

Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad has secretly appealed to Israeli help him and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas fight the influence of the militant Islamist group in Hebron, which he sees as likely to fall under its sway if not countered, Ynetnews.com reported Wednesday.

The Web site, citing unnamed diplomatic sources, said Israel hasn't rejected the idea of decreasing the role of its forces in Hebron but is reportedly concerned that a new Palestinian Authority security regime in the city might spark a revolt by Jewish settlers in the region.

Fayyad is suggesting the model for such a move in Hebron could be based on a similar arrangement in Jenin. The Palestinian leaders say political unrest in the city is creating an opening for Hamas to extend its influence from the Gaza Strip to the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Ynetnews.com reported.