A Reformed Palestinian Authority? Netanyahu’s Skepticism at Heart of Gaza Deadlock

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s profound skepticism about the potential for a reformed Palestinian Authority (PA) lies at the very heart of the deadlock over the future of Gaza, a position he will bring to his crucial meeting with President Donald Trump on Monday. This deep-seated distrust is a primary obstacle to the U.S.-led peace plan.
The American proposal, which aims to end the nearly two-year war, includes a detailed roadmap for post-war governance. A key element is the eventual return of a “reformed” PA to govern Gaza, following a transitional period managed by an international body. This is seen by the U.S. and its Arab partners as the only viable long-term solution.
Netanyahu, however, has consistently and publicly rejected this vision. He points to the PA’s history of corruption and its failure to prevent the Hamas takeover of Gaza in 2007 as evidence that it cannot be trusted. In a recent interview, he stated it is unlikely the PA will “change completely and accept a Jewish state,” questioning its fundamental ideology.
This skepticism creates a major impasse. Without an agreed-upon entity to govern Gaza after the conflict, any ceasefire is likely to be fragile. The U.S. fears that a political vacuum would inevitably be filled by Hamas or another extremist group, leading to a renewal of the conflict in the future.
As he meets with Trump, Netanyahu will be pressed to reconsider his stance. Trump’s challenge will be to convince the Israeli leader that a revitalized PA, supported by the international community, is not a threat but a necessary partner for achieving lasting peace and security. Overcoming Netanyahu’s deep-seated skepticism will be essential for any diplomatic breakthrough.