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Israel P.M. Olmert is really trying to placate the Fatah branch of the Palestinian Authority by authorizing the delivery of 25 armored personnel carriers (formerly known a halftracks) for security use by the P.A. Though Israeli army sources, right-winged Knesset members, and even the Shin Bet security organization are against this deal, Olmert seems adamant in making Mahmud Abbas and Co, happy prior to the opening of the Annapolis summit on November 27. The APC’s are being supplied by Russia; and are part of an original 50 which Russia had agreed to supply to the P.A., but had not actually delivered them. The vehicles, probably either the BMD-1 or BMP-2 models from either the Afghanistan or Chechnya conflicts, are intended for use on the West Bank, particularly in Nablus.

There is good reason for objections to this deal as previous arms deliveries to the P.A. fell into the wrongs hands when Hamas acquired a great deal of small arms and ammunition when they ousted Fatah from Gaza. No mention has been given as to whether these vehicles will come equipped with heavy machine guns, as are usually installed on military APC’s, or if they will be similar to ones used by police units and intended only for protection against small arms fire. The prime minister’s spokesmen are trying to assure everyone that these vehicles are not going to be a start for even more sophisticated military hardware being allowed into the West Bank. “We are not helping them build a nuclear reactor, etc.” the spokesperson commented. The P.M.’s office is also making everyone aware that “these vehicles can be destroyed anytime we deem it necessary, as has been done in the past”. One might suppose that by this remark, the P.M. is referring to a couple of surplus helicopters that have been given to former P.A. Chairman Yasser Arafat, and which had been destroyed, along with Gaza’s only airport, at the beginning of the Second Intifada uprising in October, 2000.

The Russians are no doubt very happy to get rid of a lot of surplus military hardware that is taking up space on their army bases. Whether or not Abbas is paying for them with funds he is receiving from either Israel or other countries, including the E.U., is another matter, however.

With the Annapolis summit set to convene in less than a week’s time, we might all be interested in knowing what other friendly gestures Mr. Olmert has in store for his Palestinian friends. With all that Israel is willing to offer, including perhaps a large chunk of the West Bank, what are the Palestinians willing to give for their part? Now that Syria and even Saudi Arabia plan to have delegates attending the summit, it looks like the Americans, who are hosting this event, have great expectations as to what agreements will result from the meeting. As for the armored vehicles, they will only be delivered long after the summit is completed.

And by then, it may be a whole different ball game anyway.