Israeli Politicians Demand Action After Documentary Reveals Armed Palestinian Authority Forces in West Bank
A documentary titled "7.10 West Bank Version," aired on Channel 14, has sparked significant controversy within Israeli political and security circles. The film, produced by Eliya Aviv, exposes classified footage and documents revealing the development of an armed Palestinian Authority (PA) force in the West Bank, raising alarms about security threats and the failure of Oslo Accords to prevent the militarization of the PA.
The documentary prompted sharp responses from Israeli officials. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir condemned the PA as a terrorist supporter and called for treating it as a threat rather than a peace partner. He praised the Judea and Samaria police district, led by Commissioner Moshe Pinchi, for establishing rapid response units and recruiting over 250 volunteers to protect settlements. Ben-Gvir warned that political figures like Yair Golan and Mansour Abbas seek to establish a Palestinian state within Israel, a move he vowed to prevent.
Finance Minister and Defense Ministry official Bezalel Smotrich echoed these concerns, emphasizing the real danger of a large, armed PA force capable of launching attacks from the West Bank into Israeli cities like Ra'anana and Kfar Saba. He detailed preventive measures including fortifying settlements and creating a security belt of over 104 communities and 160 farms around central Israeli cities. Smotrich called for dismantling the PA and conducting extensive operations to collect weapons and cleanse refugee camps.
Knesset member Avichai Boaron described the documentary as a warning sign, criticizing the security establishment's dangerous approach of treating the PA as a partner while it builds a formidable armed force. He stated that the question is not if but when a repeat of the October 7 attacks will occur.
Yossi Dagan, head of the Shomron Regional Council, labeled the PA an enemy and accused its leadership of inspiring terror attacks. He urged the Israeli government to recognize the PA as a threat, strengthen West Bank settlements as a protective shield, and abandon any illusions about peace with the PA. The police confirmed ongoing preparations in the West Bank, including enhanced patrols and rapid response units, coordinated with the IDF to counter potential threats.
The documentary and ensuing political debate highlight escalating tensions over security in the West Bank and the future of Israeli-Palestinian relations amid fears of renewed violence.
