Biden administration funds Palestinian security forces amidst rising violence

In January 2025, the Biden administration moved to allocate over $3 million in taxpayer funds to the Palestinian Authority Security Forces (PASF) in the context of ongoing violence in Israel and the Palestinian territories. This decision came just weeks before the Biden administration was set to leave power and was part of a more extensive funding package of over $20 million aimed at regional security projects, including initiatives in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. While these safety projects were presented as beneficial, scrutiny revealed that the PASF had been involved in a significant number of attacks against Israeli citizens. Reports indicated that PASF members were responsible for over 1,500 instances of violence against Israelis throughout 2023, fostering skepticism about whether U.S. taxpayer dollars were being used to enhance the capabilities of an organization associated with terrorism. Despite the intent to promote security, critics argued that the funding contradicted the very purpose it was suggested to serve, with Rep. Michael McCaul raising concerns regarding the implications of funding groups that had reportedly engaged in violent actions. The Biden administration faced significant backlash from various political figures for defying the restrictions imposed by the earlier Trump administration regarding aid to the Palestinian Authority. Under Trump, funding restrictions were enacted to prevent U.S. taxpayer dollars from inadvertently supporting terrorism. Nonetheless, the Biden administration's resumption of these funds, specifically after extensive investigations revealed connections between the PASF and various militant groups, raised alarms about the integrity of U.S. foreign aid policies. The allocation of funds was framed within a narrative of strengthening security in a region that has long been plagued by conflict, but the circumstances of the PASF’s past conduct cast doubt on such intentions. Amidst the ongoing conflict, the political repercussions of these funding decisions are likely to amplify existing tensions and raise questions about accountability and oversight in foreign aid, as critics of the administration consistently emphasize that U.S. resources should not empower potential threats against allies like Israel.