An Israeli man surrendered himself to security forces in Tulkarem yesterday, requesting political asylum in Palestinian Authority controlled areas of the West Bank.

Andre Beniron, 23, said that he wanted temporary political asylum and protection while finding a way to leave Israel.

The young man said he immigrated to Israel from Russia 20 years ago and lived with his mother in Haifa. He was struggling to survive financially in Israel and described his life as difficult.

The Palestinian Authority has refused to comment on the matter, with sources saying that the PA will hand the man over to Israel's military liaison department.