Israeli Security Minister Ben Gvir Demands Immediate Dismantling of Palestinian Authority Amid UN Statehood Bid

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take immediate operative measures to dismantle the Palestinian Authority (PA) in response to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas's reported plans to unilaterally declare a Palestinian state at the upcoming UN General Assembly. Ben Gvir described Abbas as a terrorist and characterized the PA as a 'terror authority,' emphasizing that dismantling it should be the response to Abbas's 'fantasies' of statehood. Abbas is reportedly preparing a constitutional declaration outlining the state's borders and setting a date for Palestinian National Council elections, despite the lack of national consensus and long delays in Palestinian elections since 2005. Several countries, including France, Canada, and Malta, have announced intentions to recognize a Palestinian state at the UN gathering, prompting Israeli concerns about Hamas emboldenment and security cooperation impacts with countries like Britain. Ben Gvir also supports the Israeli cabinet's plans related to Gaza, advocating for swift implementation of decisions affecting the area. These developments highlight escalating tensions surrounding Palestinian statehood efforts and Israeli political responses.