Among the causes of the recent upswing in terrorism emanating from the West Bank is the decay of Palestinian Authority’s ability to maintain order in the territory under its control. One reason for that, writes Ghaith al-Omari, is a “legitimacy deficit” brought about by a “woeful record on governance and economic issues.” He explains:
According to reputable polling, around 80 percent of Palestinians consider the Palestinian Authority (PA) corrupt, and 60 percent see it as a liability rather than an asset. None of its main institutions enjoys popular legitimacy, in part because presidential and legislative elections have not been held since 2005 and 2006, respectively.
The PA leadership has responded by becoming more autocratic, as evidenced by widespread arrests of critics. . . . Indeed, the once-vibrant (though by no means democratic) Fatah movement [of the PA president Mahmoud Abbas] has come to resemble ruling factions in other one-party systems. It is now indistinguishable from the PA, driven largely by patronage, alienated from many of its traditional constituencies, and no longer able effectively to promote discipline within Palestinian communities.
Consequently, the PA’s political and security control over parts of the West Bank has been severely impaired. In Nablus and Jenin, local activists do not feel beholden to the PA leadership, opening space for the emergence of armed groups such as the Lions’ Den and various ad-hoc coalitions. Although Hamas does not control these groups, it has certainly sought to encourage them via financial and political support. Even in Hebron, where the PA’s standing is not as dire, local clans are increasingly seizing a measure of control simply in order to ensure stability.
Al-Omari argues that the U.S., by enlisting the support of the Saudis, Jordanians, Egyptians, and Europeans, can and should encourage the PA to reform, and help it do so.
Read more on Washington Institute for Near East Policy: https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/prevent-pa-unraveling-address-internal-reform