The Palestinian Authority announced Sunday its decision to freeze the release of Islamic Jihad members detained on suspicion of involvement in the bombing at The Stage nightclub in Tel Aviv.
Two days earlier, the PA released two members, angering government sources in Jerusalem, who slammed the PA for returning to the “revolving door” policy, where terror suspects are detained and promptly released.
The Authority was expected to release the remaining seven Islamic Jihad members on Saturday, after they were arrested in February by Palestinian security forces.
Following dialogue between Islamic Jihad representatives and PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, it was agreed upon to release the prisoners on condition they remain in the Jericho area.
However, the PA announced Sunday its intention to freeze the release of the remaining prisoners after Israel threatened to take action in Jericho to ensure the arrest of the seven suspects.
Islamic Jihad representatives have expressed anger towards this new decision, saying it is a violation of an agreement between the PA and their organization.
