Palestinians and Israelis participate in a solidarity march for peace in the Al-Khader town located in the West Bank (E.P.A)

Political sources in Israel said that the Ministerial Committee on National Security Affairs discussed an emergency plan to deal with what has been called the collapse of the Palestinian Authority, and researched the emerging security challenges, stressing that the security services deem the collapse to be possible.

The terms of the plan, which has been prepared by the army and mentioned by the newspaper Makor Rishon, include the handing over of 36 million metres squared to the Palestinian Authority in Area C in the West Bank which amounts to 1.6% of the area which is subject to full Israeli control. In addition to this, three other withdrawals in favour of the Palestinian Authority will take place. The areas include districts in the city of Hebron, the district of Tulkarm and the south eastern area where Jericho will be expanded to build residential neighbourhoods for more than 20,000 Palestinians.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that these withdrawals which are included in the plan will calm the security situation, end the Palestinian intifada and will lead to American recognition of Israel’s “right” to build settlements despite the fact that the American Secretary of State John Kerry has told Netanyahu that America will not acknowledge the building of more settlements at all.

The breakdown of the Authority that Israeli security circles are talking about will be driven by a number of factors- the most important of which is the military pressure on Tel Aviv coinciding with the economic crisis and a decline in the legitimacy of the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. However, senior officials at the Israeli intelligence agency warned of the consequences of this collapse as opposed to the joy expressed by a small amount of ministers at this possible collapse which “may serve the interests of Israel”.

According to Israeli officials, Netanyahu’s rebellion and his recent violations of Palestinian rights are caused by various reasons. Firstly, he exploited the recent Paris attacks which made him almost sure that he would not be subjected to international pressure. Secondly, the series of attacks which preceded his meeting with Kerry and that left 8 Israelis dead contributed to his actions. Finally, the last reason goes back to the practice of the head of the Jewish Home Party Naftali Bennett who refused to present Netanyahu with any good initiatives for the Palestinians.