Arab nations pledge millions of dollars to PA should Israel hold back funds
Netanyahu has threatened in the past to halt tax payments in response to Palestinian statehood bid
DOHA, Qatar (AP) — A top Palestinian negotiator says Arab nations have promised $100 million a month if Israel follows through with threats to block critical tax funds as punishment for the statehood drive by the West Bank and Gaza.
Saeb Erekat says the so-called “safety net” was pledged by Arab League foreign ministers meeting Saturday in Qatar’s capital Doha.
Erekat says the Arab funds would only begin if Israel stops the monthly tax payments to the Palestinian Authority.
In December, Israel backed down from halting the payments under intense international pressure.
But Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he could reconsider the decision if Palestinians step up their push for U.N. recognition of an independent state.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.