Security Experts Warn Israel Faces Growing Threat From Palestinian Authority Post-October 7 Attacks

The final episode of the investigative series "7.10, West Bank Version," aired on Channel 14 on Wednesday, focused on Israel's security coordination with the Palestinian Authority (PA) and the ongoing threat posed by Palestinian security forces and incitement mechanisms. Interviewees argued that Israel remains trapped in a dangerous mindset, continuing to view the PA as a lesser evil and a partner for security coordination despite evidence to the contrary.

Military correspondent Hillel Biton Rozen warned that terrorist groups in the West Bank are studying the October 7 Hamas attack videos to plan future assaults. He cautioned that the next attack could be even larger, combining elements of the October 7 massacre with the "Guardian of the Walls" conflict, creating a scenario Israeli security forces may be unable to stop.

Amith Asa criticized Israel's fundamental approach, stating the problem lies in how Israel defines its enemy. He said, "Once you define the Palestinian Authority as the enemy, the working arrangements look different." Maurice Hirsch went further, accusing the PA security forces of actively supporting terrorism aimed at Israel's destruction. He also highlighted the PA's repeated violations of the Oslo Accords over the years without adequate Israeli response.

Channel 14 host Lital Shemesh called for a shift in Israeli policy and mindset, urging Israel to abandon the notion that the PA is a viable partner. She emphasized the need for a deep overhaul of Palestinian education and incitement systems, warning that without a process of "de-nazification," new generations of terrorists will continue to emerge.

The series concluded by questioning whether Israel can timely recognize the growing threat in the West Bank or if it will again be caught off guard despite clear warning signs.