Israel, US discuss strengthening Palestinian Authority

Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz has discussed with acting US ambassador to Israel, Michael Ratney, an initiative to strengthen the Palestinian Authority (PA).

On Friday, Gantz posted on Twitter: “This morning, I met with Michael Ratney. We discussed the importance of economic and social initiatives to strengthen the PA.”

Gantz also confirmed that he discussed with the US official: “Trust-building measures to benefit the security of the region.”

On Israeli-US ties, Gantz announced: “In the face of increasing security threats, the unwavering bond between the US and Israel is vital.”

He stressed: “We will continue to work together to address local and regional challenges.”

Following a meeting concluded last Friday, US Envoy Hady Amr warned that the PA is facing dangerous economic and political crises.

Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that the Israeli occupation government is considering restricting debt collection from the PA in order to ensure its financial and political stability.

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