[Institute for National Security Studies-Tel Aviv University] Shlomo Brom - One of the main obstacles preventing the signing and implementation of a permanent Israeli-Palestinian agreement is the Palestinian Authority's inability to maintain security control in the West Bank and prevent the area from becoming a base for attacks. Since Gaza's fall to Hamas in June 2007, the PA has labored to reform its security apparatuses and strengthen their capabilities, with the help of the U.S., EU, Jordan, and Egypt. The National Security Force is the chief force to confront Hamas militias and other opposition groups. It operates according to a plan that calls for creating five regiments. So far two regiments have concluded training in Jordan; the first was posted in Jenin and the second in Hebron. Both the National Security Force and the Civil Police suffer from a severe shortage of effective capabilities. On paper, these apparatuses comprise tens of thousands of salaried employees, but the actual ability to activate effective forces is small. This is part of the Arafat legacy, whereby it was customary to pay salaries to thousands of individuals who essentially weren't filling any jobs. From Israel's perspective, the major test is the ability to prevent terror and take action against secret Hamas cells and other groups. It appears that the PA is acting effectively against the Hamas civilian infrastructure, which serves first and foremost the political interests of the PA government. The Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, which were aligned with Fatah itself, represent a special challenge to the PA. They are being handled within the framework of an amnesty agreement that also involves Israel. This agreement, barring some isolated exceptions, is considered a success. It is hard to expect effective security so long as the entire PA law enforcement system lacks requisite institutions, especially a functioning judicial system and prison system.
2008-10-31 01:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive