A new study by Lt. Col. (res.) Morris Hirsch, published by the Jerusalem Center for Foreign Affairs and Security, warns that Palestinian Authority security forces have evolved into a large, armed military force. The study notes that Judea and Samaria are less than 22 km from Israel's major population centers, meaning any escalation could pose an immediate threat to millions of Israelis.
A new study published Wednesday by the Jerusalem Center for Foreign Affairs and Security warns that the Palestinian Authority's security forces have undergone a significant transformation, evolving from a policing body into a large, well-armed military force. The study, authored by Lt. Col. (res.) and attorney Morris Hirsch, highlights that the geographic proximity of Judea and Samaria to Israel's central population centers — less than 22 kilometers from Gush Dan, the Sharon, Jerusalem, and the Shfela — means that any security escalation could instantly threaten millions of Israelis.
The warning comes amid broader concerns about the potential for a large-scale attack from the West Bank. The Zioneer has previously reported on a similar assessment by the Israel Police Judea and Samaria District commander, who warned of a possible 'October 7' scenario in the region, though noting differences in scale and preparedness. The new study, however, focuses specifically on the military capabilities of the PA security apparatus.
The study's findings are based on open-source intelligence and analysis of the PA's force structure, training, and weaponry. It calls for increased Israeli vigilance and a reassessment of security policies in Judea and Samaria. The full study is available via the Jerusalem Center.
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