The Biden administration has initiated diplomatic efforts to secure support for Palestinian security forces amid rising tensions in the West Bank.
According to the New York Post, the U.S. government has made private appeals to Israel requesting approval for urgent military assistance to Palestinian Authority forces, as confirmed by Palestinian, American, and Israeli officials.
The request follows the Palestinian Authority's unprecedented counter-terrorism operation in Jenin, dubbed "Defense of the Homeland." This rare initiative came after Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants seized a PA vehicle on December 5, raising concerns about potential attempts to replicate the recent Syrian regime overthrow in the region.
The operation has already resulted in two Palestinian militant casualties, including Yazid Jaysa, a prominent figure in the Islamic Jihad-led Jenin Brigades who was also sought by Israeli authorities.
Palestinian officials emphasize the operation's significance, with one Ramallah official stating to Axios: "Either [you] act like a state you say you are or go back to being a militant organization."
The Palestinian Authority has maintained close communication with both the Biden administration and President-elect Trump's team regarding the operation. U.S. security coordinator Gen. Mike Fenzel has actively participated in planning sessions with Palestinian police leadership to ensure operational effectiveness.
The requested aid package includes essential equipment such as ammunition, protective gear, communication devices, and specialized equipment for bomb disposal. The Palestinian Authority has also submitted requests for night vision equipment and armored vehicles to enhance their operational capabilities.
The Biden administration has additionally urged Israel to release frozen Palestinian Authority tax revenues to facilitate salary payments for security personnel. These funds were initially frozen as a response to the PA's controversial policy of providing financial support to terrorists and their families.
While many Israeli security officials view PA control in Judea and Samaria as a stabilizing influence against Hamas and Iranian-backed groups, concerns persist about the reliability of PA security forces. Reports from 2023 indicate that Hamas has successfully recruited numerous PA Security Forces operatives for both combat and intelligence purposes.
Recent incidents have further complicated the situation, including the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades' involvement in multiple attacks against Israeli targets. The group claimed responsibility for a double car bombing in Gush Etzion and a shooting near Hebron that resulted in three police officer fatalities.
The Biden administration's request for military aid to Palestinian Authority forces represents a critical juncture in West Bank security dynamics. The PA's counter-terrorism operation in Jenin marks a significant shift in their approach to maintaining regional stability.
The success or failure of this initiative could significantly impact future security arrangements in the region as Palestinian authorities attempt to establish stronger control over areas where militant groups have historically operated with relative freedom.
The outcome will likely influence U.S.-Israel-Palestinian relations and regional security cooperation moving forward.
