Israel has announced a cessation of tax revenue transfers to the Palestinian Authority following the recognition of a Palestinian state by Norway, Ireland, and Spain. This move comes as a direct response to these nations’ coordinated decision to officially recognize Palestinian statehood, a significant development in the protracted Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich disclosed this development, stating, “Norway was the first to unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state today and it cannot be a partner in anything related to Judea and Samaria.” Smotrich, a fervent opponent of Palestinian independence, emphasized his intention to cease all interim arrangements that allowed tax revenues to be transferred to the PA through Norway after the Oct. 7 Hamas attack.
The implications of Israel’s decision are profound. The Palestinian Authority, which administers parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank, relies heavily on these funds to pay salaries to its thousands of employees. According to the PA, Israel has withheld approximately $1.5 billion since the conflict erupted, severely affecting its ability to maintain governmental operations and pay wages.
The recognition of a Palestinian state by these European countries has been met with mixed reactions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the decision, labeling it as “a reward for terror” and cautioning against the establishment of “a terror state.” Netanyahu insists that such recognition will only exacerbate violence and hinder peace efforts. His stance was echoed by Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz, who called the move “an injustice to the memory of the victims of 7/10, a blow to efforts to return the 128 hostages, and a boost to Hamas and Iran’s jihadists.”
In contrast, leaders from Norway, Ireland, and Spain defended their decision as a necessary step towards achieving a long-term political solution. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre remarked, “In the midst of a war, with tens of thousands killed and injured, we must keep alive the only alternative that offers a political solution for Israelis and Palestinians alike.” Similarly, Ireland’s Taoiseach Simon Harris emphasized the moral imperative of the recognition, stating, “We believe in freedom and justice as the fundamental principles of international law, and because we believe that permanent peace can only be secured upon the basis of the free will of a free people.”
The United States has also weighed in on Israel’s decision to withhold funds. White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan expressed concern, stating, “Withholding funds destabilizes the West Bank; it undermines the search for security and prosperity for the Palestinian people, which is in Israel’s interest.” Sullivan reiterated the U.S. stance on a two-state solution, emphasizing that a bilateral approach remains the most viable path to lasting peace.
Relevant articles:
– Israel will not transfer much-needed funds to the Palestinian Authority in the wake of the decision by three European countries to recognize a Palestinian state, nytimes.com, 05/23/2024
– Palestinian state is recognized by several European countries: How the news unfolded, The Associated Press, 05/22/2024
– The Latest | Spain, Ireland and Norway make a coordinated move to recognize a Palestinian state, ABC News, 05/22/2024
– Mapping which countries recognise Palestine in 2024, Al Jazeera English, 05/22/2024
– Israel Threatens ‘Severe Consequences’ for Nations Who Recognize Palestine, Common Dreams, 05/22/2024
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