Israeli media alleges Pakistan is training Palestinians to establish standing army

Israeli media outlets are spreading false propaganda, alleging that Pakistan is providing military training to Palestinians at the Kakul military academy to help them establish a standing army, which is prohibited under the Oslo Accords.

A news channel associated with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Pakistan of training Palestinians who would allegedly participate in “terrorist” activities.

Several Israeli media sources claimed that a joint investigation revealed that the Palestinian Authority is sending young men to the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) in Kakul, Abbottabad, for training.

The investigation, conducted by Israeli organisations, The Jewish Voice and Struggle for Every Dunam, was recently aired on Channel 14.

According to their report, at least 12 Palestinian security personnel have completed two-year training programs in Pakistan in recent years.

The training reportedly includes maneuvering armored vehicles, artillery, sniping, shooting, and paratrooping including other military disciplines.

The Oslo Accords between Israel and Palestine authorised the Palestinian National Authority to recruit and train a police force with paramilitary capabilities but prohibited the formation of an army.

Under these agreements, Israel retains the right to review recruitment and block undesirable candidates, though this has not been strictly enforced.

In the last 76 years, 1,522 cadets from 31 friendly countries, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Iraq, Palestine, Qatar, and Bahrain, have received training at PMA.

Upon completing their training, these cadets serve in the security forces of the Palestinian Authority.

One Palestinian cadet, Ali Taj, who graduated from the Kakul Academy in June 2023, told Arab News that in addition to rigorous physical training, he received instruction in weapons and other essential military skills.

“I am receiving the best training. When I go back, I will be different from other fellow soldiers. I will serve my country and do my best. What I have learned, I will teach my colleagues,” he said.

Israeli media also warned that this training suggests that the groundwork is in the process of establishing a standing army if a Palestinian state is recognised.