(ANSA) - TEL AVIV, 04 SEPT - A foreigner who intends to enter the West Bank must declare to Israel if "he has formed a couple" with a Palestinian or if the two have started a sentimental "relationship".
This is foreseen by the new rules put in place by Cogat, the Coordination of government activities in the Territories which depends on the Ministry of Defense.
The rules - which do not apply to those visiting Jewish settlements in the West Bank - are expected to come into effect tomorrow after being postponed twice for legal problems and actually codify a situation already in place.
Under the new procedures - initially published last February and contested by the EU and also by the US - a foreigner married to a Palestinian, or who is about to marry, or is in a relationship, must declare it to Cogat in order to obtain an entry visa.
In addition - according to the media - if the foreigner has started a relationship (engagement, promise of marriage or cohabitation) during his stay, he is obliged to inform the Cogat within 30 days of arrival.
If not, the entry permit is withdrawn and there may be problems in the eventual renewal.
The obligation to communicate - according to the document released by the media - also concerns the Palestinian National Authority (PNA).
(HANDLE).
