Is PA on verge of collapse?
There has been speculation that Israel is preparing to possibly dissolve the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank against the backdrop of the violent attacks against Israeli soldiers.
Security and military measures by the Israeli authorities have been ongoing in the West Bank since Oct. 1. Palestinians are being arrested, cities are being dismembered and homes demolished in an attempt to stop the unrest.
At the height of the Israeli-Palestinian tension, the leak published by Haaretz Nov. 21 came as a surprise. According to the Israeli newspaper, Israel's mini-Cabinet for political and security affairs discussed Oct. 19-20 the possible collapse of the Palestinian Authority (PA) and the measures to be taken should this happen.
Some Israeli ministers, such as Education Minister Naftali Bennett and Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked, said Nov. 27 that the collapse of the PA would serve some of Israel’s interests and demanded that their government not prevent such an occurrence.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Dec. 1 that he does not wish for the PA to break down, for fear of worse alternatives that might harm Israel’s security.
