Israel welcomes EU move to condition aid to PA based on reform progress

Israel welcomes the decision by the European Union to make a package of aid funding to the Palestinian Authority contingent on progress in the body’s reforms.

A statement from the Foreign Ministry says the decision is “an important first step which indicates European understanding and recognition of the need to ensure the implementation of reforms.”

Foreign Minister Israel Katz says that the move is “recognition that the current Palestinian Authority has failed deeply… this is a precedent-setting step and message from the EU to Abu Mazen [PA President Mahmoud Abbas]: if you want financial help, stop funding terror.”

The statement from the European Commission says that the PA reform strategy is aimed at “combatting corruption, advancing the rule of law and transparency, reforming the social security and education systems, improving the business environment, and strengthening the foundations of a market-based economy” and that the payments will be based on “progress towards the agreed-upon reform milestones.”