The Shin Bet, Israel’s domestic security agency, has issued a strategic warning to the Israeli government, cautioning that its policies against the Palestinian Authority (PA) in the occupied West Bank could precipitate the PA’s economic collapse. The warning, reported by Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper on Thursday, highlighted potential risks to regional stability.
Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has been actively working against the PA, which the Shin Bet fears could inadvertently bolster Hamas’ influence in the West Bank. A collapse of the PA, the agency warned, could lead to widespread chaos and undermine the existing stability in the region.
“Israel is pursuing a de facto policy of weakening the PA by refusing to bring workers into Israel, deducting tax revenues, and more,” a security source told the newspaper. Last month, the PA managed to pay only 50% of salaries to civil servants after Israel decided to withhold tax revenues.
These tax revenues, known as maqasa, are collected by the Israeli government on behalf of the PA on Palestinian imports and exports, earning Israel a 3% commission. The monthly revenues, estimated at $188 million, are the main source of income for the PA.
The Shin Bet’s warning underscores the delicate balance of power and stability in the West Bank and the potential consequences of Israel’s current policies towards the Palestinian Authority.–News Desk