Study warns of potential threat from Palestinian Authority security forces

A recent study by retired lieutenant-colonel and attorney Maurice Hirsch raises serious concerns about the Palestinian Authority's security forces, warning of a potential threat to Israel that echoes the October 7 massacre.

The study questions the evolution of the PA's security apparatus, which began as a limited police force under the Oslo Accords but has since grown substantially. Hirsch's findings indicate the force now comprises over 70,000 personnel equipped with tens of thousands of weapons. They reportedly receive training in advanced military activities, including urban warfare, parachuting, and diving, prompting questions about whether the force still serves its original public order mandate or if its expansion necessitates a reassessment of the threat it poses to Israel.

Comparing the current situation to the October 7 attack, the study notes that Hamas terrorists infiltrated Israel up to 22 kilometers from Gaza. By contrast, the distance from Kalkilya to Israel's coastal plain, which includes major population centers and critical infrastructure, is only about 14 kilometers. This proximity is significant given the limited strategic depth in central Israel, suggesting that any incident could escalate with extraordinary speed.

While the study does not claim the Palestinian Authority intends to launch an attack, it emphasizes that responsible security establishments must examine both intentions and capabilities. The lesson drawn from October 7 is that military capabilities, once developed, can remain a threat even if intentions change. Israel's political and security leadership has reportedly adjusted its approach to West Bank threats, with Defense Minister Israel Katz conducting regular security assessments.