In the past few weeks, the Palestinian Authority (PA) has been fighting a low-intensity war against Hamas and its allies in the West Bank. This is certainly a good thing, even if the PA’s president, Mahmoud Abbas, only has his own interests in mind: to prevent Hamas from toppling him and to present himself to the West as a responsible party that could take part in governing Gaza after the war ends.

All the same, no progress can be made with the PA so long as it continues to provide financial rewards to those who attack Israelis (or, if they are “martyred,” to their families), proportionate to the severity of the crime. John Spencer notes that this “pay-to-slay” policy extends even to former prisoners in Israeli jails:

Released prisoners receive a lump sum grant ranging from $1,500 to $25,000, depending on the duration of their imprisonment. Employment in government institutions is guaranteed, with job placements prioritized based on years spent in prison. Those who cannot secure jobs receive unemployment stipends—provided they served at least five years for men or two years for women. Moreover, released prisoners enjoy free college education and lifelong healthcare.

Some view [this] as simply a system that rewards Palestinians for committing acts of terrorism against Jewish Israelis. In reality, it is a deeply ingrained economic structure and societal program in the West Bank and Gaza that incentivizes violence, thus undermining any chance of a sustainable peace deal. . . . No serious effort to resolve the Israel-Palestine conflict can succeed while this program continues to operate.

Like his predecessor, Donald Trump seeks to expand the Abraham Accords to include Saudi Arabia. But there are other Arab nations that might consider taking such a step. Ahmad Charai points to Kuwait—home to the Middle East’s largest U.S. army base and desperately in need of economic reform—as a good candidate. Kuwaitis haven’t forgiven Palestinians for supporting Saddam Hussein during his 1990 invasion, but their country has been more rhetorically hostile to Israel than its Gulf neighbors:

The Abraham Accords have reshaped Middle Eastern diplomacy. . . . Kuwait, however, remains hesitant due to internal political resistance. While full normalization may not be immediately feasible, the United States should encourage Kuwait to take gradual steps toward engagement, emphasizing how participation in regional cooperation does not equate to abandoning its historical positions.

Kuwait could use its influence to push for peace in the Middle East through diplomatic channels opened by engagement rather than isolation. The economic benefits of joining the broader framework of the Abraham Accords are overwhelming. Israel’s leadership in technology, agriculture, and water management presents valuable opportunities for Kuwait to enhance its infrastructure. Trade and investment flows would diversify the economy, providing new markets and business partnerships.

Kuwaiti youth, who are increasingly looking for opportunities beyond the public sector, could benefit from collaboration with advanced industries, fostering job creation and entrepreneurial growth. The UAE and Bahrain have already demonstrated how normalization with Israel can drive economic expansion while maintaining their respective geopolitical identities.