Shin Bet said to warn Palestinian Authority on verge of collapse, West Bank could descend into chaos

Senior officials in the Shin Bet security agency have warned the political leadership in recent closed-door meetings that the Palestinian Authority is showing signs of unraveling, raising the risk of a “flare-up” in the West Bank — a front that Israel’s security establishment has largely managed to keep quiet over the past two years, reports Channel 12.

The security officials reportedly voiced concern that the PA is facing severe economic strain, saying that “unemployment is rising, security personnel are receiving little or no pay, and core functions are eroding. These factors could trigger chaos and a flare-up.”

In internal discussions, the Shin Bet has argued that since the PA’s survival ultimately serves Israel’s interests, steps should be taken to prevent its collapse, including restoring funds the cabinet decided to withhold from the PA, the report continues.

While such a move is strongly supported by the international community, far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich remains firmly opposed to it, the network notes.

The Shin Bet declined to comment to Channel 12 on “matters discussed behind closed doors.”