Officials said the U.S. proposal was meant to bridge the gap between the
PA demand to establish a military under statehood. Israel, citing previous
PA assurances for a paramilitary force, has opposed such an option.
Under the U.S. model, the Palestinian security force that would protect
the state in the West Bank would not contain heavy weapons. Officials said
this would rule out the deployment of fighter-jets, main battle tanks and
artillery.
Instead, the proposed force would be allowed to operate light aircraft
for reconnaissance and troop transport. The Palestinian units would also be
equipped with anti-tank weapons and light machine guns for
counter-insurgency missions.
Officials said U.S. security envoy Lt. Gen. Keith Dayton has sought to
convert the PA National Security Force into the leading paramilitary unit in
the West Bank. Under his proposal, 10 battalions of NSF would be trained in
Jordan over the next 18 months.
Over the last five years, the U.S. National Guard has been significantly
enhanced. The force has transformed from a paramilitary force employed by
states in an emergency to one that has been fighting in Afghanistan and
Iraq.
In contrast, the role of the Gendarmarie has also varied. In Italy, the
Gendarmarie has been used as a powerful counter-insurgency and anti-riot
force. In Algeria and Turkey, the Gendarmarie was equipped with helicopters
for a range of attack missions.
