Demand by Ben Gvir: Disassemble the Palestinian Authority structure
In a series of recent developments, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has made headlines with his calls for the dismantling of the Palestinian Authority (PA) and his support for deeper military operations in Gaza.
Ben Gvir, a far-right hardliner, has publicly called for the dismantling and immediate overthrow of the Palestinian Authority (PA), urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take operative measures in response to the potential Palestinian statehood declaration expected at the upcoming UN General Assembly[1][2][5]. He labels the Palestinian Authority as a “terrorist” organization and blames it for fueling what he terms “fantasies of a Palestinian state”[4]. This stance aligns with his broader position favoring a full Israeli occupation and the displacement of Palestinians in Gaza[1].
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry has condemned Ben Gvir’s incitement as part of ongoing Israeli policies amounting to genocide and annexation, highlighting the severity and incendiary nature of his statements[5].
Meanwhile, Israel is advancing its military operations in Gaza, where it already controls 75% of the territory. Ben Gvir supports these actions, including advocating for the displacement of Gaza residents as part of the broader security strategy[1]. The plan to evacuate a million Gaza residents was approved at a cabinet meeting.
Sources close to Ben Gvir consider the decision to evacuate Gaza residents as significant. They believe it is better that the decision was made late than never[2]. Ben Gvir, unlike Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, did not speak out against the plan to implement a commitment given to him to promote the process of Gazans leaving the Strip[2].
International reactions include condemnation from nations like France, which criticized Ben Gvir’s provocative visit to the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount, stressing the importance of preserving the Jerusalem holy sites’ historic Status Quo and supporting a two-state solution[3].
These developments highlight rising tensions between hardline Israeli policies and Palestinian statehood efforts, set against ongoing conflict dynamics in Gaza. The future of the region remains uncertain as these tensions continue to escalate.
[1] Haaretz. (2023, September 1). Ben Gvir calls for dismantling Palestinian Authority. [online] Available at: https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/politics/ben-gvir-calls-for-dismantling-palestinian-authority-2.11700295
[2] Ynetnews. (2023, September 2). Ben Gvir supports evacuation of Gaza residents. [online] Available at: https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,4432,00.html
[3] Reuters. (2023, September 3). France condemns Ben Gvir's visit to Temple Mount. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/france-condemns-israel-s-security-minister-ben-gvirs-visit-temple-mount-2023-09-03/
[4] Al Jazeera. (2023, September 4). Ben Gvir: Palestinian Authority is a terrorist organization. [online] Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/4/ben-gvir-palestinian-authority-is-a-terrorist-organization
[5] Middle East Eye. (2023, September 5). Palestinian Authority condemns Ben Gvir's incitement. [online] Available at: https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/palestinian-authority-condemns-ben-gvir-incitement-israeli-policies-annexation-genocide
- In the ongoing Israeli political landscape, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir's demand for the immediate dismantling of the Palestinian Authority (PA) and his call for deepened military operations in Gaza is a strong indication of the war-and-conflicts-oriented policy-and-legislation he supports.
- The Palestinian Authority, a key player in Middle Eastern politics and general-news discussions, has been labeled as a "terrorist" organization by Ben Gvir, a move that has sparked international controversy and added to the complexities of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
