Israel approves confidence-building steps with Palestinians ahead of Biden’s visit

By Zain Khalil and Mohammad Ghefari

JERUSALEM (AA) – Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz on Tuesday approved confidence-building measures with the Palestinian Authority ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit this week.

The measures include the registration of 5,500 stateless Palestinians, who are not registered in the Palestinian population registry, according to a statement by Israel's military liaison office to the Palestinians, known as the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT).

The Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and the Hamas-run authorities in Gaza are prevented by Israel from making additions or changes on the registry, except for adding new-born babies or registering deaths.

According to the statement, Gantz also approved additional 1,500 work permits for Palestinians in Gaza and opening a new crossing in the northern West Bank to allow Israeli-Arabs to enter Jenin city.

Meanwhile, the Israeli Prime Minister's office ordered the removal of plans to build 2,000 settlement units in occupied East Jerusalem, according to Walla news website.

Biden is expected to arrive in Israel on Wednesday on a regional trip that also includes the West Bank and Saudi Arabia.

* Writing by Ahmed Asmar