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Real PA Reform Requires More than Just a New Prime Minister

(Washington Institute for Near East Policy) Ghaith al-Omari - Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh and his cabinet resigned on Feb. 26 amid growing U.S., European, and Arab calls to reform the PA. The goal is for Ramallah to play a role in humanitarian, reconstruction, and governance efforts in postwar Gaza. Does this announcement signal that the PA leadership is willing to consider genuine reform, or is it simply a maneuver to ease international pressure? Donors need to be convinced that the PA is sufficiently reformed, capable, and financially transparent to play a progressively increasing role in managing reconstruction and governance - all without diverting assistance to unintended purposes. Similarly, international actors will be reluctant to get involved in transitional arrangements unless they are sure the PA is serious. The next PA government's top agenda items include rebuilding and expanding the security forces to resume control in the West Bank and, more gradually, Gaza, as well as creating a transparent, trusted public finance system to serve as a conduit for international assistance and reconstruction funds. These tasks cannot be achieved amid constant interference by other Palestinian power centers. The more independent Shtayyeh's replacement is, the more confidence there will be in the prime minister's ability to confront Abbas and senior Fatah figures, many of whom will likely try to undermine meaningful reform. Designating someone who is too close or deferential to Abbas would cast doubt on the move's significance. Moreover, any sign that the government includes figures close to Hamas would make it unacceptable to the international community. Reassuming control in Gaza requires more than just enhanced operational capabilities, it also depends on the people's willingness to accept the PA's rule. Recent polls indicate that 60% of Palestinians want to dissolve the PA and 90% want Abbas to resign. Appointing a new prime minister may not be enough to fix this wider legitimacy problem. Without clear signs that major changes are in the works, public trust in the PA will remain low. The writer is a senior fellow at The Washington Institute and a former advisor to the PA.
2024-02-29 00:00:00
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