The United States has issued a stern warning to Israel about the potential severe consequences if the Palestinian Authority (PA) collapses due to a blockage of revenue. This concern was voiced by State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller on Thursday, highlighting the significant risks not only to Palestinian stability but also to Israeli security.
In recent statements, Miller emphasized that the downfall of the Palestinian Authority, which administers parts of the West Bank, could lead to widespread instability, posing a “massive” security threat to Israel. This warning comes amidst ongoing tensions and violence in the region, particularly following the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel and the subsequent Israeli military response in Gaza, resulting in over 36,470 casualties.
Under the terms of peace agreements from the 1990s, Israel collects and disburses revenue to the Palestinian Authority. This system is crucial for the PA’s operations and governance. However, Israel has halted these payments since the recent conflict, severely impacting the PA’s financial stability.
The suspension of funds has further strained the already precarious fiscal situation of the PA. The World Bank recently highlighted the dramatic deterioration in the PA’s finances, cautioning about the potential risk of its complete collapse.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a member of the far-right and an advocate for Jewish settlements in the West Bank, supports the revenue blockade. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, known for his long-standing criticism of the Palestinian Authority and opposition to Palestinian statehood, also backs these measures.
The United States acknowledges issues within the Palestinian Authority but maintains that its presence has been pivotal in maintaining relative stability in the West Bank, especially amidst the conflict in Gaza. Miller’s remarks underline the US perspective that preserving the PA is crucial for regional stability and, by extension, Israeli security.
The US message reflects a broader concern about the implications of the PA’s potential collapse, not just for Palestinian governance but also for the security dynamics in the region. Washington’s urging for Israel to reconsider its stance on revenue disbursement to the PA underscores a strategic assessment that the PA’s stability is in the best interest of all parties involved, including Israel.
As the situation continues to develop, the international community is watching closely, with calls for balanced approaches that ensure the safety and stability of both Palestinian and Israeli populations.
