Palestinian Authority Chairman Abbas told Israeli correspondents PA had collected weapons of all wanted men listed by Israel in Jericho and Tulkarm. These two West Bank towns transferred to Palestinian security control last month. "We've taken many steps, some overt, some unpublished," he said

Abbas then accused Israeli government of discrediting PA. DEBKAfile: Israel's security chiefs are not familiar with data released by Abu Mazen. Shortly after his statement, Palestinian Authority circles contradicted his claim to have disarmed wanted men.

US Marines units are taking part in large-scale amphibian joint exercise with Israeli special operations units, including navy and air force. The Americans practiced landings on Israel beaches - one of which Nitzanim shore north of Gaza Strip.

DEBKAfile's military sources report: Long convoy of dozens of unmarked American military including Stryker light armored infantry carriers loaded with US troops sighted on Israel's Highway 40 heading out of Lod in central Israel to the south.

Troops sitting in open turrets. DEBKAfile adds: In past two weeks, US and Israeli special units holding joint training exercises in Israel's southern Negev.