Palestinian Authority military buildup raises Israeli security concerns

The Palestinian Authority (PA) is reportedly developing security forces with military-style training and weaponry that exceed the policing roles permitted under the Oslo Accords. Open-source intelligence from the Behind the Scenes OSINT Cell indicates that the PA has stockpiled significant resources, including RPG-7 launchers, PKM machine guns, armored vehicles, and explosives.

Training exercises near Jericho have documented infantry tactics such as urban warfare, forced entry, and hot breaching. Additionally, standard assault rifles like the M16, M4, and AK-47 have reportedly been modified with telescopic sights for long-range sniping. The PA's 60,000-strong police force is now described as operating effectively as a small army.

These developments have raised significant concerns within Israel regarding a potential “turning of the guns,” where security personnel currently coordinating with Israel might instead target Israeli forces or civilians. Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, have conducted security assessments in Judea and Samaria to address the possibility of a large-scale military confrontation.