The Palestinian Authority (PA) is making strategic moves aimed at advancing its quest for statehood within the framework of ongoing normalization talks between Israel and Saudi Arabia, according to sources familiar with the matter. A US official, a Palestinian official, and a senior Arab diplomat have revealed to The Times of Israel that the PA is actively seeking concrete actions that would bolster its statehood aspirations and significantly alter the regional dynamics.
Among the proposed measures put forth by the PA are key actions that the leadership believes could have a lasting impact. One significant proposal includes gaining official US support for the recognition of Palestinian statehood at the United Nations. Additionally, the PA has suggested that the United States should reopen its consulate in Jerusalem, which historically provided diplomatic services to Palestinians.
Another focal point of the PA's initiatives is the effort to overturn congressional legislation that designates the Palestinian Authority as a terrorist organization. This legislative change would mark a substantial shift in the perception of the PA on the global stage.
Moreover, the Palestinian Authority is advocating for the transfer of control over West Bank territory from Israeli governance to Palestinian administration. This step would be viewed as a tangible stride toward enhancing Palestinian self-governance and sovereignty.
Furthermore, the PA is insisting on the dismantling of illegal outposts in the West Bank as part of the irreversibility of these actions. By addressing this contentious issue, the Palestinian leadership aims to demonstrate its commitment to stability and territorial integrity.
In differentiating these proposed measures from previous options that the PA considers reversible, such as temporary Israeli settlement freezes or renewed peace negotiations, the PA seeks to emphasize its determination to secure tangible and lasting progress.
The list of "irreversible" steps has been formally communicated to both the United States and Saudi Arabia, setting the stage for further discussions. These deliberations are expected to take place during an upcoming visit by PA Civil Affairs Minister Hussein al-Sheikh to Riyadh.
During a recent meeting between al-Sheikh and US Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf, the proposed measures were discussed. However, sources suggest that the response from the US side was largely reserved and cautious, implying that the path to achieving these ambitions may be met with challenges.
As the PA's pursuit of statehood continues, these "irreversible" actions could potentially reshape the landscape of negotiations and agreements in the region, paving the way for transformative changes in the Israeli-Palestinian dynamic and the broader Middle East context.