Defense Minister Benny Gantz met Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas on Monday as both sides reached understandings over easing measures for the Palestinians.

The Israeli security establishment dismissed the claim that this meeting ignited a diplomatic process and clarified that the move is aimed to strengthen the PA at the expense of Hamas.

The measures consist of strengthening the PA’s governance, humanitarian steps and a $155 billion loan.

“As long as the Palestinian Authority will be stronger, Hamas will be weaker, and if it will have more executive powers, there will be more security, and we will be able to limit operations,” Gantz said.

Photo: Ministry of Defense, Ariel Hermoni