In a decision made quietly just before the end of his term, President Biden's administration sanctioned over $3 million in taxpayer funding for the Palestinian Authority Security Forces (PASF). This move, detailed in a nonpublic notice to Congress and reported by the Washington Free Beacon, is part of a broader $20 million regional security initiative authorized on January 3. The specifically allocated funds are earmarked for firearms and ammunition training.
Biden Administration Allocates Funds to Palestinian Security Amid Controversy
Biden Administration Allocates Funds to Palestinian Security Amid Controversy
Recent approval of over $3 million in aid to Palestinian Authority sparks debate on U.S. support for security forces linked with terrorism.
The approval comes at a time of mounting apprehension from both Washington and Israel concerning the PASF's deep-rooted connections to terrorist activities. An investigation by Palestinian Media Watch uncovered that PASF members executed more than 1,500 attacks on Israeli targets just in 2023. Alarmingly, over 60% of fatalities in the West Bank are linked to the Palestinian Fatah movement, the political body that supports the PASF. Furthermore, around 400 imprisoned individuals with known ties to PASF are considered convicted terrorists.
In light of these revelations, the PASF is now requesting an additional $680 million in funding from the U.S. over the following four years, a move likely to deepen existing controversies. Opponents of the funding argue that taxpayer resources should not bolster organizations with a history of violence, whereas proponents contend that enhancing regional security is essential for promoting stability in a precarious environment.
As the discourse surrounding this funding unfolds, it remains uncertain whether future U.S. financial support will continue to be directed toward the PASF and other security operations within the Palestinian territories, especially with growing evidence of their involvement in attacks against Israel.
In light of these revelations, the PASF is now requesting an additional $680 million in funding from the U.S. over the following four years, a move likely to deepen existing controversies. Opponents of the funding argue that taxpayer resources should not bolster organizations with a history of violence, whereas proponents contend that enhancing regional security is essential for promoting stability in a precarious environment.
As the discourse surrounding this funding unfolds, it remains uncertain whether future U.S. financial support will continue to be directed toward the PASF and other security operations within the Palestinian territories, especially with growing evidence of their involvement in attacks against Israel.
