3. Strengthen the Palestinian Security Sector Through the USSC
The USSC—newly strengthened by the Biden Administration decision to maintain it at the general/flag officer level— should work with the PA and Israel to strengthen the Palestinian security sector. This effort should be comprehensive and include creating a comprehensive legal framework, developing a security doctrine, and addressing manpower and personnel issues, primarily the ‘inverted pyramid’ problem of the forces resulting from issues such as compensation, pensions, and promotions. USSC funding should be applied toward more training, including by USSC partners, as well as enhancing the capabilities of the PASF in terms of both size and structure to ensure they are commensurate with today’s security needs. Doing so would not only improve security and personal safety but also improve economic, social, and political development and help restore public trust in Palestinian security institutions.