The Washington Post reported that the Trump administration has halted all financial support to the Palestinian Authority (PA) security forces as part of a global freeze on foreign assistance, according to US and Palestinian sources.

 

This decision comes at a crucial moment for the PA, which is grappling with maintaining control in parts of the West Bank and navigating governance in a postwar Gaza Strip. The PA's security forces, often underfunded and facing widespread unpopularity, are vital for sustaining law and order across both regions.

 

During Trump's first term, direct aid to the PA was suspended, but funding for training and reform of the security forces continued through the Office of the Security Coordinator in Jerusalem. This office, previously known as the United States Security Coordinator (USSC) for "Israel" and the PA, operates with contributions from multiple countries.

 

Brig. Gen. Anwar Rajab, spokesperson for the Palestinian security forces, remarked to The Washington Post that the US was a significant contributor to PA projects, including security and empowerment training for the forces.

 

An unnamed former Israeli Occupation official stated that the USSC remains “not affected in any meaningful way” by the funding freeze, noting that “other donors have committed to make up the shortfall.”

 

However, the freeze has already resulted in reductions in some training programs, according to a colonel who oversees training at the PA’s Central Training Institute for security forces.

 

This colonel, who also spoke under conditions of anonymity, highlighted that a meeting with US representatives to evaluate the PA’s operations targeting militants in the Jenin refugee camp had been postponed and remains unscheduled.

 

The US had also been funding the construction of a virtual shooting range for the institute, which is essential since "Israel" restricts the importation of live ammunition for training.

 

Although the project was nearing completion, the institute is now seeking alternative funding sources due to the US freeze.