TEL AVIV – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been instructing high level ministers to take steps to thwart the potential collapse of the Palestinian Authority.
In a closed security cabinet meeting on Monday, the prime minister was reported to have said, “We must prevent the Palestinian Authority from collapsing if possible, but at the same time, we must prepare in case it happens.”
The security cabinet, which is in charge of foreign and defense policy, has held two meetings to discuss the possible disintegration of the PA. If such a scenario were to occur, Israel would need to reestablish control over security and civilian affairs in the West Bank.
The official policy is therefore to prevent the PA’s dissolution, though what measures will be taken to that end are as yet unknown.
It’s worth noting that not everyone is in favor of prevention, with some members from more right-wing parties like the Jewish Home preferring the PA’s collapse.
High level officials from the PA, the US, and Israel have made comments alluding to the breakup of the PA. President Mahmoud Abbas himself has warned that the PA could be dismantled due to the absence of a peace process. Other West Bank pundits are calling Abbas weak and compliant to Netanyahu, and calling for his resignation.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State John Kerry recently said, “There are valid questions as to how long the PA will survive if the current situation continues, mark my words.”