Far-right ministers clash with security cabinet over measures to support Palestinian Authority

Far-right coalition leaders in Israel have vowed to oppose measures aimed at strengthening the Palestinian Authority (PA), as concerns grow over its potential collapse. The proposals, backed by the Israeli security establishment, include economic, travel, and security measures to stabilize the PA and counter Iran's influence in the West Bank. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, both from far-right parties, stated their opposition to approving any financial concessions or supporting an entity they view as supporting terrorism. The collapse of the PA could lead to chaos and a power vacuum in the West Bank, potentially empowering terror groups.