A nonpublic congressional notice reveals $3 million in Biden administration funds allocated to the Palestinian Authority Security Forces, causing a diplomatic stir due to terrorism concerns.
Quick Takes
- The Biden administration allocated over $3 million to the Palestinian Authority Security Forces (PASF) for firearms and ammunition training.
- This funding is part of a larger $20 million package for regional security projects.
- Concerns were raised about PASF’s ties to terrorism, with involvement in attacks against Israelis.
- Rep. Michael McCaul criticized PASF’s ability to maintain order and prevent terrorism.
Funding Details
The Biden administration has chosen to allocate $3 million specifically for the training of Palestinian Authority Security Forces (PASF) in firearms and ammunition, as reported by The Washington Free Beacon. This sum is part of a $20 million package aimed at enhancing security across the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Lebanon, and Jordan. However, concerns have arisen regarding PASF’s alleged ties with terrorist organizations, leading to debates over the appropriateness of U.S. funding for such entities.
The PASF has reportedly been involved in over 1,500 attacks against Israelis in 2023. Such connections have raised doubts about whether U.S. funds might inadvertently bolster groups with terrorism affiliations. A substantial number of PASF members are linked to the Palestinian Fatah movement, further complicating the U.S.’s decision to provide financial support.
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Controversial Affiliations
The PASF, together with the Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades, showed no hesitation in celebrating the death of a PASF officer, who was also a commander in the terrorist group. This action has amplified the concerns regarding U.S. aid to the PASF and its potential misuse.
Rep. Michael McCaul criticized the PASF, stating, “The PASF have demonstrated an ongoing inability to maintain order in the West Bank, a fact made more concerning by emerging reports of the group’s ties to terrorism in the region.”
The Trump administration had halted funds to the Palestinian Authority due to its support for terrorism. This suspension marked a clear stand against funneling U.S. taxpayer dollars to entities perceived as threatening. Yet, the Biden administration’s decision to reinstate $45 million annually indicates a shift in perspective, with the aim of fostering peace through development and training, notably at Jordan’s International Police Training Center.
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Fulfilling a campaign promise, Biden authorized $290 million in…
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Future U.S. Involvement
The PASF is requesting an additional $680 million from the U.S. over the next four years, a move that may provoke further debate on Capitol Hill. The State Department has assured concerned parties that the funding will strictly be used for training purposes, ensuring transparency and accountability in its usage.
As debates continue, the regional stability in the Middle East hangs in balance. It remains crucial for U.S. policymakers to evaluate both the risks and potential benefits of providing aid to potentially controversial groups like the PASF. The current administration’s efforts to cultivate peace may either bear fruit or lead to a further tangle in the complex political fabric of the Middle East.
