Palestinian security commanders were meeting on Thursday afternoon to finalize preparations for the deployment of close to 1,000 officers who are to take up positions in areas from which Qassam rockets and mortar shells are being fired, Israel Radio reported. Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz approved the Palestinian deployment requests on Thursday. The deployment along the Gaza border is to begin on Friday. Senior PA officials continue to release statements saying they will not use force against Hamas and other terrorist groups, intending to halt the attacks through dialogue. The Israel Defense Forces is monitoring the Palestinian Authority’s implementation of the security plan.