Palestinians threaten to halt security cooperation with Israel, but timing uncertain

JERUSALEM – A senior Palestinian official says security cooperation with Israel may soon come to an end.

The security ties are aimed at containing violence and are one of the last remaining areas of cooperation between Israel and the Palestinians after years of failed peace efforts. The re-election of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — who said during the campaign that he opposes Palestinian independence in the current climate — has only worsened relations.

Palestinian official Saeb Erekat told reporters Thursday that the Palestinians are already working on plans to halt the security ties. However, he refused to say when the step would be taken.

"I can assure you that something will happen," Erekat said.

Such a step would be risky since it would likely trigger a tough Israeli response.