Gallant: Strengthening the Palestinian Authority is Necessary to Confront Hamas

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant suggested that the Israeli government should take steps to strengthen the Palestinian Authority in response to Hamas's attempts to escalate tensions in the West Bank, as reported by the Times of Israel on Sunday. Gallant stated that Hamas is trying to inflame the situation in the West Bank by linking it to the conflict in the Gaza Strip. He added, "We must prevent this by all means and address the issue of laborers and funds related to the Palestinian Authority," warning that such actions "could harm our ability to achieve our military objectives." He mentioned proposals to allow Palestinian workers from the West Bank to return to Israel, as well as the freezing of tax funds that Israel collects for the Palestinian Authority. He continued, "We hope the government will accept the position of the Israeli army and the Shin Bet regarding everything related to the laborers and the Authority's funds." He emphasized that "a strong Palestinian Authority serves Israel's best security interests." Monthly transfers account for about 65% of the Palestinian annual budget.