The hours-long military maneuver, ordered by Lieutenant General Benny Gantz, came as all Israeli security forces in the West Bank are preparing to deal with the potential conditions of the Palestinian Authority (PA) prior to its bid at the United Nations to recognize Palestine's statehood, Israel's Channel 2 TV station reported.

Palestinians will attempt to obtain recognition of a sovereign state when the UN General Assembly meets in September. The United States and the Tel Aviv regime remain opposed to the move.

Membership at the United Nations requires a recommendation from the UN Security Council and the approval of two-thirds of the General Assembly, equal to 128 countries.

HSN/HJL/MGH