Why it matters:
Senior Israeli and Palestinian Authority (PA) officials conducted a secret meeting in Tel Aviv addressing escalating tensions in the West Bank with the arrival of Ramadan merely a month away—a time historically associated with heightened conflict.
The details:
The high-level bilateral talks, aimed at calming the volatile situation, included discussions on economic aid for the struggling PA amidst Israel withholding substantial tax revenues, the reinstatement of West Bank Palestinian workers, reduction of checkpoints, and other initiatives.
Participants:
Notable attendees were Israel’s National Security Council Chairman Tzachi Hanegbi, Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar, and COGAT chief Ghassan Alian, alongside PA intel head Majed Faraj and Civil Affairs Minister Hussein al-Sheikh.
Israeli concessions:
Israeli representatives promised to take several proactive steps: decreasing checkpoints and arrest operations, allowing older Palestinian workers across the border for employment, and restoring access to Arab Israelis to shop in Palestinian cities.
Points of contention:
Challenges arise as the proposed Israeli measures could face resistance from government hardliners who liken the PA with Hamas, an internationally recognized terror organization. Additionally, a resolution on withheld tax revenues is uncertain though Israel showcases a willingness for flexibility.
Financial deadlock:
With Israel suspending NIS 275 million due to fears of it supporting Hamas in Gaza, the PA explored loans from UAE and Norway, which Israel countered with threats of a complete tax revenue freeze—putting the PA financial stability at risk.
US perspective:
The United States criticized Israel’s funds seizure reaffirming the money rightfully belongs to the PA. Moreover, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during talks with PA President Mahmoud Abbas, pushed for the PA’s resurgence in Gaza post-war, amidst concerns over humanitarian assistance. Washington also supports a framework whereby withheld Gaza tax funds would be held by Norway pending proper allocation approvals.
Endgame concerns:
Amid war ramifications, the Palestinian quest for statehood through international recognition, halting of Israeli advances, and the potential role of the PA in Gaza’s future governance remain pressing issues while Abbas schedules forthcoming key negotiations with Hamas leaders in Qatar.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.