According to IDF officials, Israeli firefighters in Shomron on Monday refused to enter a PA (Palestinian Authority) autonomous area to extinguish a blaze. They reportedly stated they are not on call to combat blazes in PA areas, areas which are off-limits to Israeli citizens.

The nation�s fire services spokesman denied the accuracy of the report, explaining the fire fighting team was waiting for a security escort prior to entering the PA area.

IDF officials reject the explanation, stating soldiers were present, on the scene next to the firefighters the entire time.

(Yechiel Spira � YWN Israel)