Israel halts fund transfer to Palestinian Authority

Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has taken steps to halt the transfer of funds to the Palestinian Authority (PA). 

He said he instructed the finance ministry to stop the transfer of payments this month in a letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Smotrich cited alleged support by the PA, in the West Bank for Hamas.

Under the Oslo Accord, Israel transfers funds it collects on behalf of Palestinians to the Palestinian Authority. 

Israel has regularly used the threat to withhold funds in the past in a bid to exert control over the PA.

“The PA has once again proven the fact, which we have been raising our voices about for years, that it is a terror-supporting organisation,” Smotrich said in his letter.

“Therefore, beyond the connection of these funds to the Gaza Strip and its residents, these funds are used for activities against the State of Israel and its citizens,” he added. “It is inconceivable that in this reality, we will continue to transfer these funds as if nothing has happened.”