The Israeli military has loosened its control over the West Bank town of Jenin, said a statement from the Israeli Defence Force (IDF), published on 2 January. The text said that the move was taken after a joint security meeting, 'one of many between brigade commanders in the West Bank with their Palestinian counterparts, in order to clarify the IDF's policy and intentions, aiming at allowing the Palestinian population to keep their lifestyle intact.' The easing of control by the IDF brings to an end four months of total control over people entering and leaving the town, imposed on 19 August following a suicide attack in Jerusalem.