National Security Forces (NSF) – PA/Hamas

The National Security Forces (NSF) is the successor organisation to the Palestine Liberation Army (PLA), once the PLO's military in exile, and is often described as Palestine’s army-in-waiting. It has approximately 10,500 personnel who receive training and support from Jordan and United States through its United States Security Coordinator (USSC).

The NSF initially recruited most of its personnel from the PLA and gradually added local recruits. Its current role is to support other Palestinian Authority security forces. The NSF in the West Bank has been led by Major General Nidal Abu Dukhan since December 2011. In Gaza, the NSF – under Hamas – has been led by Brigadier General Naim Al-Ghoul since 2015.

The NSF in the West Bank was previously led by Fatah Central Committee member Ismail Jaber (1994-April 2005), Nidal al-Asouli (April 2005-) and Dhiab al-Ali (January 2007-December 2011). In the Gaza, the NSF has been headed by Moussa Arafat and Suleiman Hilles.