Watchdog uncovers Palestinian Authority Security Forces responsible for numerous attacks on Israelis
JERUSALEM: Palestinian Authority Security Forces Engage in Attacks on Israelis, Reveals Watchdog Group
In a shocking revelation, the nonprofit watchdog organization Palestinian Media Watch has documented at least 55 attacks carried out by off-duty Palestinian Authority (PA) security forces against Israeli soldiers or civilians since 2020. These attacks, which have been eulogized by the PA and its ruling Fatah party, expose the extent to which the internationally recognized Palestinian government encourages and rewards terrorism against Israel, even within its own ranks.
The findings have significant implications for the Biden administration’s proposal to allow a “revitalized” PA to govern Gaza following Israel’s recent war against Hamas. Itamar Marcus, the director of Palestinian Media Watch, has sent a report titled “Terrorists in Uniform: A study of PA Security Forces involvement in terror” to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, urging the administration to reconsider its support for the PA security services.
PA’s Disturbing Role in Terrorism
According to Marcus, empowering the PA security forces to rule Gaza after Israel has dismantled the terror infrastructure is inconceivable. He argues that the PA and its security forces are not part of the solution but rather a fundamental part of the problem.
Marcus goes further than the Israeli government, calling on the Biden administration to reverse its reinstatement of $45 million a year in funding to the PA security services. He points out that the United States recently froze donations to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency due to staff involvement in an attack, highlighting the PA’s even more egregious support for terrorism.
The White House has also imposed sanctions on four Israelis for alleged involvement in violent attacks in the West Bank. However, neither the White House nor the State Department has responded to requests for comment on the PA’s role in these attacks.
PA Security Forces Involved in Terrorist Attacks
The report by Palestinian Media Watch reveals disturbing details about specific attacks carried out by PA security officers. For example, 1st Lt. al Mansour Billah Jalal al-Jabbar of the PA’s Palestinian National Security Forces opened fire at Israel Defense Forces troops at a checkpoint near Nablus. The IDF confirmed the incident, highlighting the rank of the attacker within the PA security forces.
Furthermore, Fatah’s military wing, the al Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades, published a poster honoring five Palestinians killed in the West Bank, two of whom were captains in the PA security forces. These incidents demonstrate the PA’s explicit acknowledgment and glorification of its security forces’ involvement in terrorism.
PA’s Promotion of Violence and Financial Rewards for Terrorists
Brig. Gen. (res.) Yossi Kuperwasser, a former director general of Israel’s Ministry of Strategic Affairs, emphasizes that the larger problem lies in the PA’s promotion of violence against Israel through education and financial rewards for terrorists. The PA’s “pay for slay” program guarantees salaries for imprisoned security force members and financial support for their families if they are killed.
Fatah has even published posters and videos celebrating PA security officers who died after carrying out attacks on Israelis. These disturbing displays of support for terrorism highlight the PA’s deeply ingrained culture of violence.
The scale of the threat posed by PA security forces remains a matter of concern. While the Israeli government and the Prison Service declined to comment on the issue, the IDF has acknowledged a significant increase in attempted terrorist attacks in the West Bank since October 7, most of which were thwarted.
It is clear that the PA’s involvement in terrorism goes beyond isolated incidents, raising serious questions about the Biden administration’s support for the PA security services and its proposal to allow the PA to govern Gaza. The international community must address this issue and hold the PA accountable for its role in promoting violence and terrorism.
What actions has the Palestinian Authority taken to commemorate and financially support the individuals involved in these attacks?
E Palestinian National Security Forces carried out a shooting attack near Beit El in the West Bank, injuring two Israeli soldiers. The attack was praised by the PA, which declared the officer a “hero.”
In another incident, PA police officer Anas Jaradat rammed his car into a checkpoint near Jerusalem, injuring four Israeli Border Police officers. Jaradat’s family received financial compensation from the PA and his funeral was glorified as a martyr’s funeral.
The report also highlights the PA’s use of social media to glorify these attacks. Videos and posts from official PA accounts celebrate the “martyrs” and depict them as heroes fighting for Palestinian rights. This propaganda fuels a culture of violence and incitement within the Palestinian territories.
International Response and Implications
These revelations raise serious concerns about the Biden administration’s plans to support the PA and empower its security forces. It is unacceptable for international aid to be provided to a government that not only tolerates but encourages and rewards terrorism. The Biden administration must prioritize the safety and security of Israelis and reconsider its support for the PA security services.
Furthermore, these findings have wider implications for the international community. The PA’s direct involvement in acts of terrorism against Israelis demonstrates a clear violation of its commitments under the Oslo Accords, which established the Palestinian Authority as the governing body in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The international community, including the United Nations, must hold the PA accountable for these actions and reassess its recognition and support for the Palestinian government.
Conclusion
The revelation that Palestinian Authority security forces have engaged in attacks on Israelis is deeply troubling. The PA’s encouragement and glorification of such acts of terrorism send a dangerous message and hinder any prospects for peace in the region. It is imperative for the international community to address and condemn the PA’s role in these attacks, and for the Biden administration to reassess its support for the Palestinian security forces. Genuine peace can only be achieved when all parties commit to ending violence and promoting dialogue and reconciliation.
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