"In the past year, the PA, through its security apparatus trained by
U.S. security coordinator Lt. Gen. Keith Dayton, increased its control of
Hamas' social, religious, political and military activities in the West
Bank," the report said. "Young, professional, determined commanders have
been appointed to lead the PA's security apparatus."
Despite the heightened cooperation, Lavie said, the PA has been unable
to threaten the Hamas regime in the Gaza Strip. But the new PA commanders
quietly helped Israel during its war with Hamas in early 2009 by maintaining
order in the West Bank.
"Indeed, concerns over the PA's survivability and the vitality of the
security apparatus have sharpened the motivation among these commanders
toward efficacy and professionalism," the report said. "This was evident
during Israel's military operation in the Gaza Strip, when the security
services continued to operate against Hamas on the West Bank, which included
arresting activists, and did not respond to Hamas' demand to halt security
coordination with Israel."
But the report did not envision a long-term security cooperation between
Israel and the PA. Lavie said PA Prime Minister Salam Fayad, a key element
in the cooperation effort, lacked popular support and has no standing in
Fatah.
The PA and its security forces could come under attack by Palestinians
critical of Israel's failure to facilitate the establishment of a
Palestinian state or the removal of the Jewish presence from the West Bank.
The report said this could lead to the resurgence of Hamas.
"A process of this nature, along with the fact that the Fayad government
lacks broad popular support, may enhance Hamas' relevance as an alternative
and increase the danger of a renewed outbreak against Israel," the report
said. "In these circumstances, Fatah and Hamas might well find it in their
interests to pool their efforts and cooperate against Israel."
The report cited several new PA commanders. They included Civil Police
chief Brig. Gen. Hazem Atallah, former police commander Kamal Al Sheik,
General Intelligence Services chief Majid Faraj and Preventive Security
Apparatus commander Ziyad Hab Al Rieh.
