In a revelation aired by Al Arabiya, a Palestinian security official accused the clerical regime in Iran of orchestrating recent unrest in the West Bank, specifically in the city of Jenin. Brigadier General Anwar Rajab, spokesperson for Palestinian security forces, stated, “Iran is playing a clear and destructive role in destabilizing the region, funding and manipulating groups to undermine the Palestinian Authority and sow chaos.”
The remarks come after a period of heightened tensions and security operations in the West Bank aimed at restoring order. Brigadier General Rajab highlighted that prior to the security measures, “serious efforts for dialogue and societal engagement had been made over years to address such issues, but this situation is fundamentally different. Most involved are lawbreakers and individuals tied to non-Palestinian agendas that serve regional powers, specifically Iran.”
Rajab accused Tehran of exploiting the region’s instability by funding and arming groups, which he described as key players in the West Bank’s unrest. “This so-called ‘Axis of Resistance,’ led by Iran, has failed to protect its proxies or its own people across the region—from Gaza to Lebanon and Syria. It cannot possibly protect the Palestinian people or the West Bank,” he remarked.
The official linked the Iranian regime’s strategy to broader regional turmoil, citing its involvement in conflicts that have devastated Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. “Iran has repeatedly shown its capacity to destabilize nations, and the West Bank will not be an exception,” Rajab warned.
Rajab countered criticisms that the Palestinian Authority lacks grassroots support in the West Bank. “Recent mass rallies in cities like Hebron, Tubas, and Jericho demonstrate the public’s backing for the Palestinian security forces and leadership,” he said. By contrast, he noted, calls by extremist groups for widespread protests have largely gone unheeded.
The situation in Jenin has reportedly calmed following these security measures. According to Rajab, “Life has returned to normal in Jenin city, and we are on track to achieve the same stability in the Jenin refugee camp.” He credited the Palestinian leadership for its clear understanding of the challenges posed by both regional dynamics and internal unrest.
Rajab emphasized that the Palestinian Authority, under President Mahmoud Abbas, is committed to reestablishing security and the rule of law across all areas under its jurisdiction, in accordance with international agreements. “Our goal is to reassert control over every centimeter of land under Palestinian Authority jurisdiction and to counter external agendas aimed at weakening us,” he said.
The brigadier general also addressed claims of government absence in refugee camps. “These narratives are exaggerated. Our presence is strong, and the public supports our efforts to restore order and security,” he insisted.
The report highlights escalating tensions in the West Bank amid competing influences from Iran-backed groups and the Palestinian Authority. As the Palestinian leadership works to reestablish control, accusations against Tehran add a new layer of complexity to the region’s volatile dynamics.
The Iranian regime’s efforts to incite unrest in the West Bank reveal its desperation amid regional and domestic crises. With the fall of Bashar al-Assad, setbacks to its proxies, a collapsing economy, social unrest, and power struggles within the clerical elite, Tehran seeks to deflect attention and project influence. By undermining the Palestinian Authority and exploiting the West Bank, the regime aims to mask its fragility and reinforce its narrative of resistance to maintain control.
Source » middleeastmonitor