IDF Initiated Activity in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip Comes to A Halt,
IDF Forces Leave the A Territories Following The Palestinian Authority
Chairman's Statement.

IDF Spokesperson 18 September 2001

In correspondence with the Minister of Defense Benjamin Ben Eliezer's
instructions, the Chief of General Staff Shaul Mofaz instructed the IDF
forces in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip to avoid attack operations
against the Palestinians. The forces located in areas under complete
Palestinian control (A territories), immediately departed the said
territories. These instructions were issued with the purpose of testing the
application of the statement made by the chairman of the Palestinian
Authority, calling to stop all firing from the Palestinian side.
Furthermore, the instructions issued act as an expression made by the
political grade who again seize any possible chance to put a stop to the
violence and return life to normal.