Palestinian forces to receive weapons

JERUSALEM, July 6 (UPI) -- Israel's defense dinister has approved the transfer of 1,000 Kalashnikov rifles to Palestinian Authority security forces in the West Bank.

The transfer of the weapons has been delayed until the Israeli army completes ballistic tests, a standard procedure conducted on all weapons transferred to the Palestinian Authority, The Jerusalem Post reported Monday.

The tests will allow Israel to identify the weapons should they be used in terror attacks against Israeli targets, the newspaper said.

The report said Defense Minister Ehud Barak approved the deal several weeks ago.

The report quoted Israeli defense officials as saying the Palestinian Authority is encountering difficulties in recruiting personnel to its newly set up battalions. Barak intended to raise the issue in talks with U.S. envoy to the Middle East George Mitchell at a scheduled meeting in London Monday.