Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his firm stance against the Palestinian Authority’s (PA) presence in the Gaza Strip, accusing the PA of incitement to terror, fostering hatred toward Israel, and providing financial incentives to terrorists. Netanyahu’s position aligns with international decisions, including a recent United Nations Security Council resolution supporting a 20-point plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump that delegates Gaza's administration to a "Board of Peace" until the PA completes a designated reform program. Although excluded from Gaza, the PA continues to exercise authority in Judea and Samaria (the West Bank).

Netanyahu’s criticisms reflect longstanding grievances related to the Palestinian leadership’s adherence to commitments made in the Oslo Accords. From Israel’s perspective, the Oslo agreements were intended to pave the way for peace, whereas Palestinian leaders have allegedly used them as a strategic tool to undermine Israel’s existence. Israeli officials contend that the PA has systematically violated key provisions of the accords, especially regarding the nature and scope of its security forces.

Originally, the Oslo Accords envisioned a Palestinian police force limited to 12,000 personnel, equipped primarily for domestic law enforcement with a restricted armament—approximately 8,000 weapons—under Israeli oversight, including a veto on each recruit. However, as early as late 1995, just one month after signing the Interim Agreement, it became apparent that the PA was expanding its security forces beyond these constraints. Over time, the Palestinian security apparatus has reportedly grown into a force numbering around 70,000 personnel, many receiving military-grade training domestically and abroad, including in countries considered hostile by Israel.

This expanded force allegedly operates with capabilities surpassing standard police functions, utilizing artillery, rocket-propelled grenades, mortars, and specialized tactical insertion methods such as fast-roping from helicopters. Israeli officials question the rationale behind maintaining such a large and heavily armed force, noting that it does not align with the security needs of a typical police organization within a society. Furthermore, they argue that the PA faces no external military threats from neighboring countries such as Jordan, Egypt, or Syria.

The Palestinian Authority, dominated by Fatah—the political faction founded by Yasser Arafat and currently led by Mahmoud Abbas—is seen by Israeli officials as sharing goals with Hamas, albeit differing on strategy and control of financial resources. Both factions are accused of pursuing Israel’s destruction but differ mainly in the timing and methodology of violent actions. This dynamic was apparent during the terror campaign initiated in September 2000 under Arafat’s leadership, which led to the deaths of over 1,000 Israelis during the Second Intifada.

While Palestinian leaders have historically rejected accusations of violating the accords and contest Israel’s characterization of their security forces, Israel maintains that these developments undermine the prospects for peace and complicate efforts to prevent future violence. The continuing expansion and militarization of the PA's security apparatus remain a central point of contention amid ongoing disputes over governance and security in the Palestinian territories.