Fund Transfer to the PA to be renewed

2012-01-26 6

Israel is likely to renew its funds transfer to the Palestinian Authority following the US Congress' decision to unfreeze some $200 million in Palestinian security assistance. Israel collects about $100 million in various taxes on behalf of the PA, which it transfers to Ramallah on a monthly basis. The transfer was suspended following the PA's pursuit of full membership in UNESCO. Defense Minister Ehud Barak voiced his objection to the decision to halt the funds, stressing that Ramallah needed the funds in order to pay the Palestinian security forces' salaries. Security collaboration between Israel and the Palestinian forces in the West Bank is considered successful, and Barak considers them vital in the war on West Bank-based terror groups.