June 8, 2009: Russia is donating 50 Russian made BTR 70 wheeled armored vehicles to the Palestinian Fatah security forces. Israel has agreed to let the vehicles in. Over two years ago, in an attempt to bolster Fatah control in the West Bank, Israel also donated 50 Russian made BTR vehicles to the Fatah security forces. In addition, a thousand assault rifles and two million rounds of ammo were sent. Israeli military and police officials protested, as in the past, most weapons and equipment given to the Palestinian security forces, eventually was used against the Israelis. This continued to happen, but less so than in the past, which is why the Israelis are letting the Russian vehicles in.
The BTR 70 is a 11.5, eight wheel vehicle. It was first introduced in the late 1970s. It has a crew of three, and can carry seven passengers. Normally, it has a turret mounted heavy (12.7mm or 14.5mm) machine-gun. The Palestinians will be getting the "command and control" model, that lacks the machine-gun turret.
