The political-security cabinet will meet today (Sunday) to discuss the series of measures the government intends to implement to strengthen the Palestinian Authority (PA). The security establishment recommended to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he take steps to strengthen the Palestinian Authority due to its deterioration and resulting inability to exercise control in areas like Jenin and to carry out a number of measures. Among the steps that will be taken at the meeting - and approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Galant and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich - is the establishment of a new industrial zone, the development of the "Marine" gas reservoir off the coast of Gaza, the spread of debt payments, the expansion of the operating hours of the Allenby Crossing and the issuance of biometric passports to PA VIPs. However, the move is opposed by several ministers from Smotrich's Religious Zionism party all ministers from the Otzma Yehudit party. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said ahead of the meeting: "I intend to strongly oppose at the cabinet meeting the shameful decision to grant concessions and benefits to the Palestinian Authority. There is no greater absurdity than the fact that the body that encourages terrorism, pays salaries to terrorists and their families, encourages incitement of the murder of Jews in the education system, takes over territories in Judea and Samaria - will win in the midst of a wave of terror to a box of treats from the Israeli government." "I am sure that the rest of my cabinet members, the ministers of the right-wing government, will join my position and will not give their support to this delusional proposal," added Ben-Gvir. Related articles: Mahmoud Abbas's possible successor to be appointed next month 'Trump disavowal of deportation of Gazans is encouraging' Abbas requests US assistance in returning PA to Gaza 'PA will pay terrorists even if we only have one penny left’ The PA is attempting to show that it is retaking control over the city of Jenin following the IDF's operation in the city last week. Jenin had become a haven for terrorists in recent years, largely outside the PA's control. Kan 11 News reported last month that the PA is on the verge of declaring bankruptcy in light of its serious financial crisis. The crisis has been caused by a combination of corruption, declining international aid, and the PA's 'pay for slay' program. Israel has withheld millions of shekels in tax revenues to offset the payments the PA makes to terrorists and their families. The PA has built its economy on international aid instead of creating the infrastructure for an independent and self-sufficient economy. In addition, the PA has maintained that the payments to terrorists are sacrosanct and that its last funds would be spent on those payments.
