AL QUDS, Feb 17: For the first time since the outbreak of the Palestinian uprising in September 2000, the Israeli Army has set up tents and portable housing for soldiers in Palestinian-controlled territory in the West Bank, Israel Radio reported on Sunday.

Military sources said the camp, located near the village of Tamun near Jenin in the northern West Bank, did not mean the army was planning an extended stay in the area.

The Israeli army entered Tamun earlier this month, searching for alleged Palestinian militants.

In previous incursions into Palestinian areas, Israeli troops would sleep in armoured vehicles or take over houses belonging to local Palestinians.—dpa