Washington – Palestinian Authority (PA) security forces detained several Israeli soldiers Thursday after they mistakenly drove into Nablus in Palestinian-controlled Area A of the West Bank.

Ma’an News Agency reported:

[The soldiers] were returned to Israeli-controlled territory after coordination between both sides, Palestinian and Israeli officials told Ma'an.

The soldiers were driving a white Suzuki east of a Nablus municipal building when they arrived at a PA roadblock and were subsequently detained, Palestinian officials said. Although in uniform and carrying weapons, the soldiers insisted they had entered the area near the Zawata junction by mistake, so they were eventually released, the officials said.

An Israeli military spokeswoman also said the two entered Nablus by mistake. The soldiers left Nablus after the military coordinated with the PA, the official explained. "The incident is being examined," she said.

Under current Israel law, citizens of Israel are prohibited from entering what is known as Area A, which designates areas fully administered by the PA. Since 2003, Palestinian Israelis have been permitted to enter Area A, but earlier this month the Israeli army said it was considering allowing all Israelis permission to enter. The decision has still yet to be approved by Maj-Gen Avi Misrahi and Defense Minister Ehud Barak.

The Israeli government issue a report last week praising the “quiet summer” 2010 has brought in the West Bank, Haaretz reported Saturday.

Above: Israeli soldiers at firing drills. [WikiMedia]

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