The Israeli government is set to examine measures aimed at
supporting the Palestinian Authority (PA) and preventing its potential
collapse, in order to avoid a power vacuum in the West Bank and the potential
rise of Hamas, Israeli media reported.
اضافة اعلان
As reported by Channel 13, discussions will take place on
Sunday, focusing on various economic initiatives, including the establishment
of an industrial zone in Tarqumiyah, located in the West Bank, and the
development of a "Marine" gas field off the coast of Gaza.
The meeting on Sunday will highlight additional economic
measures that could be implemented to stabilize the PA. Proposed options
include staggered debt payments, extended operating hours for the King Hussein
bridge crossing, and the issuance of biometric passports.
Furthermore, senior PA officials may have their VIP
privileges reinstated, which were previously revoked in January due to their
support for an anti-Israel resolution at the UN.
These considerations have arisen following recommendations from
Israeli authorities to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging him to
strengthen the governing body in Ramallah to prevent further deterioration in
the West Bank.
Israeli authorities are concerned about the potential
collapse of the PA, as it could lead to a power vacuum in the West Bank. This
situation mirrors the events in Gaza, where Hamas seized power in 2007.
In June, Kan 11 revealed that the PA was contemplating
declaring itself financially bankrupt due to the severe financial challenges it
currently faces. If such a declaration were made, it would result in the
closure of PA offices and the destabilization of the territories under its
control.
The financial crisis faced by the PA stems from several
factors. One significant reason is the PA's persistent commitment to providing
financial support to the families of terrorists, leading to monthly deductions
from the taxes collected by Israel on behalf of Ramallah.
Additionally, international aid to the PA has steadily
declined over time. Consequently, the PA's control over the northern West Bank
has gradually weakened. Israeli forces has identified Jenin as one such area
where Palestinian groups have taken root.
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