The Israeli political-security cabinet is set to approve several measures aimed at providing financial and civil assistance to the Palestinian Authority, following warnings by security officials about the possible collapse of the authority. Last week, Defense Minister Yoav Galant and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed most of the issues that will be raised during the cabinet meeting, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday.
News 13 first reported the announcement on Friday evening, revealing that the cabinet will discuss significant economic and civil relief for the Palestinians. The measures are being considered due to the serious situation of the authority and the potential collapse it is facing, according to security sources.
Among the measures that will be discussed is the establishment of an industrial zone for the Palestinians in Tarkamiya, a move that has long been advocated by the security echelon. Additionally, the development of the “Marin” gas rig off the coast of Gaza will be on the agenda, which holds economic as well as political significance. The Prime Minister’s Office has already announced its support for this initiative.
Furthermore, the cabinet will also consider promoting a series of more limited economic benefits, including spreading debt payments, expanding operating hours of the Allenby Pass, and issuing biometric passports. Another topic of discussion will be the potential reinstatement of VIP permits for senior Palestinian Authority officials, which were revoked by the cabinet in January after the authority promoted a resolution against Israel at the United Nations.
The discussion will not be limited to economic matters, as various security issues will also be addressed. These issues have already been coordinated between Prime Minister Netanyahu, Defense Minister Galant, and the heads of the defense establishment. The coordination took place prior to an operation in Jenin, during which concessions and tributes to the Palestinians were discussed.
Security officials have warned the political echelon about the dire situation facing the Palestinian Authority, emphasizing the need to promote these gestures as soon as possible. However, some cabinet ministers are expected to oppose the measures, as they have not participated in previous discussions about the state of the authority. Consequently, there are differing opinions on how to approach the issue among government officials, with some advocating for a different approach altogether.