In anticipation of the forthcoming political-security cabinet meeting, senior figures within the Palestinian Authority have communicated to Israeli officials their concerns regarding proposed concessions. Specifically, in a move that seemed more like blackmail, the Palestinian Authority representatives conveyed that unless Israel approves these concessions for the Palestinian Authority, the upcoming joint security summit would be jeopardized.
Back in late February, a critical security summit was convened in Aqaba, Jordan. This meeting saw participation from delegates representing Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and Jordan. Notably, the event was monitored by US diplomats. Plans were underway for another such summit in the coming two months. However, recent developments have cast doubt over its occurrence. Reports suggest that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is still contemplating whether or not to present the proposal of further relief measures for the Palestinian Authority to the cabinet for deliberation.
During a prior cabinet assembly, the ministers greenlighted the initiation of fundamental steps aimed at averting a potential collapse of the Palestinian Authority. This decision was positively received by the White House, though it still awaits the Israeli cabinet's endorsement. One of the proposals the Israeli government is contemplating involves augmenting the quota of work permits for Palestinians from the Gaza Strip who seek employment in Israel.
Tel Aviv Shooting Attack: Municipal officers in Tel Aviv noticed a suspicious man (27, from Jenin without entrance or work permits for Israel) and requested him to identify pic.twitter.com/SOcTdZo7cs
— Israel Police (@israelpolice) August 5, 2023
An official statement read, “With the number of permits currently at an unprecedented high, we are mulling over further increasing this count in our pursuit to ameliorate the overall conditions prevailing in the Gaza Strip.” This proposal stems from the recommendations of the security establishment, which had earlier advocated for additional facilitative measures for the Palestinian Authority. These recommendations had been a topic of discussion in the previous cabinet meeting. It is noteworthy that Ministers Smotrich and Ben Gvir, both members of the cabinet, have previously manifested their disapproval of granting any concessions to the Palestinian Authority.
Reflecting upon the recent peace summit in Jordan, an insider from the Palestinian delegation confirmed to the Arabic news outlet “Al-Malka” that the convening was executed in close collaboration with the Palestinian Authority. The summit aimed to counteract the escalating hostilities in relations. The insider noted that such a gathering hadn't taken place for years, with the overarching goal being to "halt unilateral actions and usher in an era of tranquility". However, media outlets associated with Hamas were critical, dubbing the event "the summit of disgrace."
The Palestinian Authority is finally trying to resume its security responsibilities in Jenin and finding itself in fire fights with local Islamic Jihad terrorist forces.
— Democratic Majority for Israel (@DemMaj4Israel) August 2, 2023
Not getting much attention in the US.https://t.co/qp4M260Ums
The source elaborated that the summit was a result of Jordan's diligent efforts, undertaken in liaison with the Palestinian Authority and other stakeholders. The ultimate objectives were to curtail "unilateral actions, avert a security upsurge that might culminate in widespread violent eruptions, and implement security and economic strategies to alleviate the hardships endured by the Palestinian populace."
