Israel considers restricting movement of senior Palestinian Authority officials after recognition of statehood
Measures under discussion after Western recognition of Palestinian state
JERUSALEM/ISTANBUL
Israel is considering restrictions on the movement of top Palestinian Authority (PA) officials in response to the recent wave of international recognition of statehood, Army Radio reported on Thursday.
Senior security officials have advised the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to impose personal sanctions on PA leaders, including President Mahmoud Abbas, his deputy Hussein al-Sheikh, and other senior figures.
The measures under discussion would curtail their freedom of movement across the West Bank and at the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge crossing with Jordan.
Currently, senior PA officials travel freely in secured convoys with protection from the Shin Bet security service. The proposed steps would largely confine them to Ramallah or sharply limit their mobility within the territory.
The broadcaster also noted that Israel’s defense establishment is examining economic measures that could affect the financial interests and business networks of PA leaders.
The move comes as Abbas prepares to address the UN General Assembly later Thursday. Military officials told the radio the steps are “necessary,” arguing it is unacceptable for PA leaders to campaign internationally against Israel while continuing to benefit from Israeli-provided privileges.
At the same time, security officials recommended against measures that would directly impact the wider Palestinian population, such as restricting civilian movement on West Bank roads, undermining the PA’s financial system, or canceling thousands of work permits for Palestinians employed inside Israel.
There was no immediate comment from the PA on the report.
Netanyahu said earlier this week that he would decide on Israel’s official response to the recognition after returning from Washington, where he is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump on Monday.
Since Sunday, 11 countries – the UK, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Luxembourg, Belgium, Andorra, France, Malta, Monaco and San Marino – have officially recognized the state of Palestine, raising the total number of recognitions to 159 out of 193 UN member states.
