Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reassured Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir that there will be no discussion on concessions to the Palestinian Authority during a meeting of the political-security cabinet tonight (Sunday).
"I hear all kinds of things in the media about concessions in favor of the Palestinian Authority," said Ben- Gvir, "It is not clear to me how we can make concessions towards people who incite to murder and work to boycott Israel, and even less so why cabinet members need to hear about these things from the media."
Netanyahu responded: "Today we will not discuss concessions to the PA," adding that: "we will discuss the government's attitude toward the PA. The reports on concessions to the PA did not come from my bureau, but today you will receive comprehensive reviews of them in the discussion."
"I am happy to hear that there are no concessions and indeed we must talk about their status. They are our enemies," concluded Ben-Gvir.
The security establishment recommended that Netanyahu take steps to strengthen the Palestinian Authority due to its deterioration and resulting inability to exercise control in areas like Jenin.
Among the steps that will be taken at the meeting - and approved by Prime Minister Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Galant and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich - is the establishment of a new industrial zone, the development of the "Marine" gas reservoir off the coast of Gaza, the spread of debt payments, the expansion of the operating hours of the Allenby Crossing and the issuance of biometric passports to PA VIPs.
However, the move is opposed by several ministers from Smotrich's Religious Zionism party, and all Otzma Yehudit ministers. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said ahead of the meeting: "I intend to strongly oppose the shameful decision to grant concessions and benefits to the Palestinian Authority. There is no greater absurdity than the fact that the body that encourages terrorism, pays salaries to terrorists and their families, encourages incitement of the murder of Jews in the education system, takes over territories in Judea and Samaria - will benefit from treats from the Israeli government in the midst of a terror wave."
"I am sure that other cabinet members, and ministers of the right-wing government will agree with my position, and not provide their support to this delusional proposal," added Ben-Gvir.
The PA is attempting to show that it is retaking control of the city of Jenin following the IDF's operation in the city last week. Jenin had become a haven for terrorists in recent years, largely outside the PA's control.
Kan 11 News reported last month that the Palestinian Authority is on the verge of declaring bankruptcy in light of its serious financial crisis, caused by a combination of corruption, declining international aid, and the PA's 'pay for slay' program.
Israel has withheld millions of shekels in tax revenues to offset the payments the PA makes to terrorists and their families. The PA has built its economy on international aid instead of fostering the infrastructure for an independent and self-sufficient economy. In addition, the PA has maintained that payments to terrorists are sacrosanct and that its last funds would be spent on those payments.