The Biden administration has reportedly requested that Israel allow U.S. military assistance to support Palestinian Authority (PA) security forces conducting a large-scale operation in the West Bank.
Multiple officials from the United States, Israel, and the Palestinian territories told Axios that the U.S. proposal includes provisions for potential intelligence sharing, overflight of U.S. aircraft and drones, and logistical assistance.
The Biden administration is said to have sought Israeli approval for military aid shipments to the PA, including ammunition, armored vehicles, helmets, and advanced equipment like radios and night-vision gear.
Although Israel initially approved a shipment of military assistance last year, it froze the transfer following Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel. Alongside military aid, U.S. officials have also urged Israel to unfreeze tax revenues withheld from the PA to enable it to pay its security forces.
As of the report, the Israeli government has yet to issue a formal response to the request.
The operation in the West Bank targets a local armed group made up of militants linked to both Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) and Hamas, both of which are funded by Iran. Violence escalated over the past week when PA security forces attempted to regain control of Jenin.
The occupied West Bank city of Jenin mobilizes against the siege of its camp, and in support of its people and resistance fighters, who are being targeted by the Palestinian Authority at the request of Israel. pic.twitter.com/hBMaKzXhLo
— The Cradle (@TheCradleMedia) December 14, 2024
WATCH🚨
The terrorists factions in Jenin declare the participation in the war against the Palestinian Authority.
Bring the popcorn 🍿 pic.twitter.com/ddnogNEz8Z
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) December 14, 2024
PA forces clashed with militants, resulting in multiple casualties, including senior Jenin Brigade leader Yazid Jaayseh. Palestinian groups, including Hamas and Islamic Jihad, condemned the killing, with the latter accusing the PA of aligning with Israeli aggression.
The PA said that the raids on Jenin, which targeted armed anti-occupation groups, were aimed at “maintaining public security and order, upholding the rule of law, and preventing sedition and chaos in the Jenin camp.”
