Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich Calls for Urgent Cabinet Discussion on Transfer of Funds to Palestinian Authority
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has demanded an urgent discussion in the cabinet regarding the funds transferred to the Palestinian Authority (PA) following their support for what he called “horrific massacres” committed by Hamas. In a letter sent to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, Smotrich instructed to halt the transfer of funds until the cabinet reaches a decision on the matter.
In his letter, Smotrich expressed his concern over the PA’s support for the recent actions of Hamas and urged the government to take a closer look at the use of these funds. He wrote, “Stop turning a blind eye. Following the PA’s support for the Hamas massacres, I asked the Prime Minister to hold an urgent discussion in the Cabinet to examine the continuation of the transfer of funds. Until a decision is made – the funds are stopped.”
The Finance Minister also highlighted the PA’s support for anti-Israel activities in the international arena. He expressed his dismay at the PA’s call to “prosecute Israeli war criminals” and argued that such actions indicate their status as a terrorist-supporting organization.
Smotrich emphasized that it is unacceptable to continue transferring funds to the PA while these measures against Israel and its citizens persist. He stated, “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. It is unthinkable that in this reality, we will continue to transfer said funds as if nothing had happened.”
The Finance Minister’s call for the urgent discussion in the cabinet reflects growing concerns regarding the allocation of funds to the PA. The decision to halt the transfer of funds until a clear resolution is reached underscores the commitment to ensuring that taxpayer money is not used to support organizations with a history of violence and terrorism.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has yet to respond to Smotrich’s letter, and it remains to be seen how the government will address this issue moving forward. As the discussion unfolds, the outcome will have significant implications for the relationship between the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority.