Sa’ar says a reformed Palestinian Authority could be involved in governing Gaza

But in a joint press conference with Italian counterpart, foreign minister says ‘pay to slay’ policy needs to end, as must incitement, before cooperation can occur

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, right, and Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani at a joint press conference at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem, January 20, 2025. (Shlomi Amsalem, GPO)
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, right, and Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani at a joint press conference at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem, January 20, 2025. (Shlomi Amsalem, GPO)

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar on Monday did not rule out the possibility that Israel would accept the Palestinian Authority playing a role in post-war Gaza, but only if the body underwent a process of deep reform.

Delivering his remarks at a joint press conference with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem, Sa’ar detailed three key changes that Israel requires of the PA.

“The Palestinian Authority must end its policy of ‘pay to slay,'” said Sa’ar, referring to stipends the PA provides to families of those killed, injured or imprisoned while perpetrating violence against Israelis. “The PA must stop educating children to hate, inciting against Israel, and conducting legal warfare against it.”

Asked by The Times of Israel whether, if the PA were to meet these conditions, Israel might consider allowing the Palestinian Authority to take on a role in Gaza, Sa’ar was open to the possibility.

“If they met these conditions, addressed these problems, and changed their attitudes, it would be a different Palestinian Authority, and then we could seriously discuss together a better future for both nations,” Sa’ar said.

“Unfortunately, they have systematically refused to do so,” he added. “Not only have they not brought peace, but they have deteriorated our security. So we must be very cautious and make the security of our citizens our number one priority, and we will always be happy to find someone who wants to build a better future with us.”

Tajani emphasized that Italy considers the PA the only body entitled to represent the Palestinian people. However, he also stressed the need for the PA to change course and said he had reaffirmed that message in his meeting with PA Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa earlier in the day.

“During my meeting, I pushed hard for a higher engagement of the Palestinian Authority in this process [of reforms],” Tajani said. “We need reforms inside of the Palestinian Authority, and I believe that [the appointment of] Mustafa is the first step because he is competent, he knows politics, and I consider him a good person.”

“At this moment, we need to strengthen the Palestinian Authority, and I believe that the future of Palestine is with a new and more modern Palestinian Authority,” he added.

Tajani is the first foreign senior minister to visit Israel since the ceasefire in Gaza took effect on Sunday.

“I am here because Italy wants to back the ceasefire,” said Tajani. “Peace is our priority in the Middle East. We want to show our support to Israel in this important moment and transform the ceasefire into peace.”

Palestinians watch a truck loaded with aid drive by in Gaza’s southern city of Rafah on January 20, 2025, as residents return after a ceasefire-hostage deal has gone into effect a day earlier between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas group. (Photo by Eyad BABA / AFP)

Tajani also said that Rome is willing to send troops to Gaza as part of an Arab-led peacekeeping mission.

“Peace is a political priority for Italy,” Tajani says. “We are ready to support it through cooperation, economic assistance, and also by sending our women and men in uniform to Gaza if there were an Arab-led international peace mission.”

Italy is one of the top troop-contributing countries to the UNIFIL mission in Lebanon, with over 1,000 soldiers.

Tajani also pledged to strengthen the initiative Food for Gaza, delivering humanitarian aid to the Strip in coordination with the Israeli authorities. The minister said a new shipment will arrive in the region in the next few weeks, including 15 specially outfitted trucks to deliver the aid donated by Italy.

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