The Palestinian Authority (PA) is grappling with escalating resistance in Jenin as its operation against Iranian-backed militant groups intensifies. This crackdown in the northern West Bank city has led to violent confrontations, exposing the widening gap between the PA and local communities. The PA's actions aim to disrupt the flow of Iranian funds and weaponry to these factions, reflecting a critical moment in the region's power dynamics.

According to Mohammad Daraghmeh, Asharq News bureau chief in Ramallah, the PA recognizes the ongoing threat of Iranian support for Hamas and Islamic Jihad. He believes the current climate, marked by recent conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, presents a crucial, yet delicate, opportunity to address Iranian influence. Public sentiment is wary of further military escalation with Israel.

Reports indicate that the U.S. has sought Israeli permission to provide the PA security forces with much-needed military aid, including ammunition, protective gear, and armored vehicles. This request underscores the urgency of the situation and the PA's resource limitations in confronting these well-equipped groups. U.S. financial assistance to the PA has historically been substantial, but experienced fluctuations under different administrations.

The situation has been further complicated by increased activity from Hamas and Islamic Jihad, with significant Iranian backing, particularly since October 7th, according to Dr. Michael Milshtein, head of the Forum for Palestinian Studies at Tel Aviv University. He highlights the concerning development of attempted rocket launches from Jenin towards Israeli cities, indicating the city's transformation into a potential terrorist stronghold.

Tensions further escalated with the PA's killing of Islamic Jihad commander Yazid Jaysa, the third fatality in Jenin within a week. The death of 19-year-old Rahbi Shalabi during earlier clashes between PA forces and militants has further inflamed local resentment, particularly within the Jenin refugee camp.

The PA's efforts to enter the refugee camp have been met with fierce resistance, leaving their forces in a precarious position. The militants within the camp present a formidable obstacle to the PA's objective of regaining control. Milshtein, a former head of Palestinian affairs in Israeli military intelligence, points to the PA's long-standing inability to effectively govern the northern West Bank, leaving a power vacuum that has been exploited by militant groups.

The timing of the PA's operation is noteworthy, coinciding with regional instability, including the war in Gaza and the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Some observers believe these events, particularly the situation in Syria, influenced the PA's decision to act, possibly motivated by a desire to avoid a similar fate.

This operation also reflects the PA's attempt to project an image of strength and control in the West Bank, particularly in light of the potential political reshaping of Gaza following the recent conflict. However, regaining control of Gaza, which has been under Hamas rule for 17 years, remains a daunting challenge for the PA.

While the situation in Jenin remains tense, it's not expected to escalate beyond the city. The broader sentiment in the West Bank appears to favor stability and opposes a Gaza-like scenario. Ultimately, the events in Jenin serve as a critical test of the Palestinian Authority's capacity to govern its territory and manage the complex interplay of local and regional forces.