Netanyahu 'apologises' after intense stand-off between IDF troops and Palestinian leader's personal security

An IDF official also said the incident was 'unfortunate' and had not been planned

Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel

Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly apologised to the Palestinian president after an alleged stand-off between Israeli Special Forces and security outside Mahmoud Abbas’s home.

The confrontation seemingly occurred earlier this week, when Mr Abbas’s security forces allegedly refused to allow a specialist Israeli military unit to pass through barriers erected around the Palestinian leader’s home for his safety, Defense News reported.

Sources told the online publication that although a “heated” stand-off occurred, there were no shots fired and the situation was defused when the IDF troop commander elected to direct his soldiers a different way.

Following the verbal altercation, Palestinian officials contacted the Israeli Civil Administration, which handles all non-military aspects of connected to the West Bank.

"They apologised for what they claim was a mistake," a senior Palestinian commander told Defense News.

"I'm not sure it was a mistake, but Netanyahu sent his apology."

When contacted by the online publication, an Israeli military source said the “unfortunate event” was “not planned”. They expressed regret over the incident.

It comes amid a three-month spate of renewed violence. Since mid-September Israeli forces have killed 124 Palestinians while 20 Israelis have died in attacks, according to Press Association.