Israel sets up civil court for citizens in West Bank

In a move aimed at tightening control over its occupied territories, Israel has formally opened its first civil court in the occupied West Bank. A Magistrates' Court began hearing civil and criminal cases in the Jewish suburb of Kiryat Arba, outside the Arab town of Hebron. Until now, military courts have held sole authority in the occupied territories. A court spokesman said the court would only deal with cases involving Israelis. Arabs would continue to be tried by mi litary courts.