Proposal raised by Blinken would see creation of Palestinian SWAT teams to operate in Jenin and Nablus, where Israeli raids have been met with increasingly violent opposition

PA president tells CIA chief announced freeze aimed at pushing Netanyahu to moderate settlement expansion, said to fear condemning Jerusalem attack would be 'political suicide'

While trip was pre-planned, Bill Burns's talks with government and intelligence heads, likely to focus on easing tensions and restoring security coordination between Israel and PA

In meeting with Jake Sullivan, Palestinian Authority president offers to halt efforts against Israel in international arenas if it ceases 'unilateral' steps in West Bank

In rare interview, Palestinian president attributes recent attacks against Israelis to 'oppression,' calls Israel's UN membership 'illegal'

Demonstrations break out after operation, which terror group claims is carried out at Israel behest; arrested men suspected of involvement in shooting attacks

Barbara Leaf says security situation in West Bank cannot be looked at in a vacuum, improvements to Palestinians' economic conditions essential for stability

Defense Department notifies Congresspeople who opposed lowering rank that it is reversing its plans, after lawmakers argued 3-star officer needed to help keep stability in region

Israel and the PA need to trust the USSC to coordinate during crises to prevent bad situations from spinning out of control - the job needs a high-level officer

Defense Department spokesman says office is simply following requirements set in place by Congressional legislation that mandated reduction in number of officers stationed globally