The Palestinian Security Services operate as a massive, complex, and highly scrutinized state apparatus.
In short: The Palestinian Security Services comprise a sprawling network of intelligence and armed branches that define the internal governance of the State of Palestine. Despite lacking a traditional land army, navy, or air force, these agencies consume a significant portion of the national budget, reflecting a deeply contested and intricate political history.
The Palestinian Security Services (PSS) function as the primary armed and intelligence agencies for the State of Palestine. Formally established following the 1993 Oslo Accords, the structure was intended to maintain public order and internal security. However, the system evolved into a complex web of twelve branches, including the Presidential Guard, civil police, and national security forces. Under the 2003 Amended Basic Law, these are defined as regular forces tasked with protecting society and maintaining public morals. Despite this mandate, the PSS remains strictly demilitarized, lacking heavy weaponry like tanks, as Israel has consistently demanded to maintain control over Palestinian airspace and external defense.
The administration of these forces has been marked by intense internal power struggles and international influence. For years, the Palestinian Authority has spent more on security than on health and education combined. By 2013, the security budget reached nearly $1 billion, accounting for 28 percent of the total budget. This financial commitment supports a vast workforce; as of 2013, approximately 65,000 civil servants were registered as defense workers. This high level of staffing means that one in 16 West Bank Palestinians is employed by these branches, making the region one of the most heavily policed populations globally.
The history of the PSS is defined by shifts in control and political fragmentation. Yasser Arafat initially managed the forces through a divide-to-rule approach, which faced significant criticism for nepotism and corruption. Following his death, Mahmoud Abbas attempted to consolidate the various divisions into three main branches: the National Security Forces, Internal Security Forces, and General Intelligence. These efforts were frequently challenged, particularly during the 2006–2007 internal power struggle between Fatah and Hamas. The resulting security vacuum and the formation of rival paramilitary groups, such as the Executive Force in Gaza, highlight the ongoing difficulty of maintaining a unified security apparatus in a landscape shaped by both internal political division and external pressure from the United States and Israel.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Palestinian Security Services
- Also: Wikidata — Palestinian Security Services · CC0
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