A new force of national security has taken route in the West Bank. Former Palestine Liberation Organization member Diab El-Ali heads this new “elite” form of defense known as the Palestinian National Security Forces. The 8,000 troops under his jurisdiction are rising to the forefront of the Palestinian-Israeli civil and border conflict resolution.
These forces have received private training from policing forces in nearby Jordan, and are held in high esteem as the protectors and implementers of peace, within and along the borders of the Palestinian territories.
The creation of such a project is naturally followed by very important questions: Are these troops solely aimed at protecting Palestinian welfare? Which nation are they truly “securing,” as a Palestinian nation does not currently exist?
On the surface this project appears to be quite promising, with regards to the potential success of peacemaking processes. These troops are seen to be the only means to any future intergovernmental legislation, if any is to be passed.
However, by simply highlighting where funding for such training is coming from, the reason such a militant force is allowed to even exist becomes blatantly obvious.
The main source of funding for the training of the National Security Forces is the U.S. Dollar. The United States is the sole sponsor of this “experiment.” If all goes well, these troops are expected to “lay the groundwork for an independent state.” Bear in mind, such a goal is not only unattainable at this point, but it is also not sought after by the U.S. or Israel. This leads to the conclusion that such a project is strictly for the benefit of the Israeli state — not Palestinian sovereignty.
Proof of this is lined with the praises of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu is known for his strict security measures. Thus, his optimism regarding an armed Palestinian force reflects Israeli involvement. The benefit from the development of such troops is solely Israel’s.
This is not about Palestinian independence. Rather, it is simply about the existence of such forces. This sadly points to the frail state of the Palestinian territories — or what is left of them. This also highlights the territories’ desperation for safety. This desperation is so strong that Palestinians are willing to put aside their differences and cooperate with Israeli troops.
In theory, a legitimate Palestinian military force sounds wonderful. However, these forces are constantly undermined by the arrival and involvement of Israeli forces. They also seem to always have very limited resources — there are only about 3,000 rifles for the estimated 20,000 troops, all of whom practice with wooden rifles. The disrespect from Israeli forces as well as the state itself just adds to this lack of legitimacy.
The UN, the United States, Israel, and what is left of Palestine may view this as progression. But the further embedding of occupying forces within Palestinian society can only have negative effects on Palestinian civilians as well a thier hope to form an independent state. As reality sets in, so does darkness, and as Diab El-Ali put it, “there is no other choice. Peace is the only choice.”
Dina Al-Hayek is a junior political science major and a contributing writer for the Daily 49er.